Pipe connector systems, devices and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices and methods for pipe connectors and associated components are disclosed. Features for no hub clamps, for locking mechanisms on no hub clamps, for tools for no hub clamps, and for gaskets are described. The clamp has a band with a locking mechanism for convenient locking together of the ends of the band about two adjacent pipes. The locking mechanism may include a securement feature such as a tab on one end of the band and a complementary engagement area on the other end. The band may have arcuate gripping projections whereby rotation of a tool head causes linear translation of the two ends of the band. The various locking mechanisms may be tightened and secured using various tools having engagement features complementary to the gripping projections. The gaskets may be hourglass-shaped to facilitate assembly onto pipe ends with longitudinal membrane sections that collapse when a clamp is secured over the gasket.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/853,669, filed Sep. 14, 2015, entitled PIPE CONNECTORSYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/210,912, filed Aug. 27, 2015,entitled PIPE CONNECTOR SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS, and the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/137,682, filed Mar. 24, 2015,entitled PIPE CONNECTOR SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS, the disclosures ofeach of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forall purposes.

BACKGROUND

Field

This disclosure relates to connectors for connecting pipes. Inparticular, features for a no hub clamp, gasket, tool and associatedmethods are disclosed.

Description of the Related Art

Pipe connectors are used for connecting the ends of pipes to allow forcontinuous and sealed passage of fluid between the pipes. One suchconnector is a no hub clamp. No hub clamps can include bands that wraparound the ends of adjacent pipes. The bands are then screwed together.However, such no hub clamps can be complex and difficult to make anduse. Accordingly, a new type of no hub clamp is needed that isconvenient to use and simpler to manufacture.

SUMMARY

The embodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects no single oneof which is solely responsible for the disclosure's desirableattributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, its moreprominent features will now be briefly discussed. After considering thisdiscussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments,” one will understand howthe features of the embodiments described herein provide advantages overexisting systems, devices and methods for connecting pipes.

Described herein are embodiments of a no hub clamp for connecting theends of two pipes, tools for using such clamps, a gasket, and associatedmethods of use of all of these. The various clamps, pipes, gaskets,tools and methods described herein may be used with each other and withother clamps, pipes, gaskets, tools and methods not described herein.For example, any of the various clamps described herein may be used withany of the gaskets described herein. Further, the clamps describedherein may be used with gaskets other than the gaskets described herein.Similarly, the gaskets described herein may be used with clamps otherthan the clamps described herein. Also, the described subject matter maybe used for connecting features other than pipes, such as hoses, tubes,channels, cylinders, other fluid-conveying parts, and the like. Thus,while the systems, devices and methods may be described with respect toparticular combinations of parts, or to particular parts such as pipes,it is understood that this is merely for the sake of description and isnot limiting the usage of the systems, devices and methods to thoseparticular combinations or with those particular parts.

In one embodiment, the clamp in a loosened state may surround the twoends of the pipes that are to be connected with each other. The ends ofthe pipes may abut together and then be secured in place by tighteningthe clamp around the two ends into a locked state. A seal, gasket, orother part or parts at the interface of the two pipes may be assembledaround and/or between the pipes, and the clamp may then be secured overthe pipes and any such seal, gasket, etc. The clamp may be firstsheathed over one of the pipes, the two ends of the pipes (and any sealetc.) may then be brought together, and then the clamp may be slid overthe two ends of the pipes (and over any seal etc.) and tightened suchthat the clamp compresses the pipes and fixes the pipes in place next toeach other.

In one aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated band having a first endand a second end opposite the first end, the band configured tocircumferentially surround the two adjacent pipe ends, and a lockingmechanism coupled with the elongated band, the locking mechanismconfigured to bring together the first and second ends of the band, thelocking mechanism further configured to tighten and lock the apparatusin a locked configuration about the two adjacent pipe ends. The lockingmechanism comprises a flexible tab coupled with and extending away fromthe first end of the band, a rigid nub coupled with and projecting awayfrom the flexible tab, and a complementary member coupled with thesecond end of the band, the complementary member having an edge. In thelocked configuration, the rigid nub snaps into a position adjacent tothe edge, and the flexible tab is configured to flex to allow the rigidnub to snap into the position adjacent to the edge.

In some embodiments, the flexible tab is protruding substantiallyorthogonally from a portion of the band to which the tab is coupled, andthe rigid nub is extending toward the second end of the band, and thetab and nub define a receiving space thereunder configured to receivethe complementary member of the second end of the band.

In some embodiments, the edge of the complementary member is located onthe second end of the band.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a hollow channelcoupled with and projecting away from the second end of the band, thehollow channel configured to receive a tool end therein to assist withclosing and locking the apparatus in the locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a connector havinga first end a second end opposite the first end, with the first end ofthe connector rotatably coupled with the first end of the elongated bandand the second end of the connector rotatably coupled with the secondend of the elongated band.

In some embodiments, the second end of the connector comprises anoverhang extending beyond the second end of the band, wherein theoverhang includes the edge that snaps into position with the rigid nubin the locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the flexible tab is connected to a bar that ismoveably connected to the first end of the band, and the bar can bemoved along the length of the band to adjust the size of the apparatusin the locked configuration.

In another aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated band having a first endand a second end opposite the first end, with the band configured tocircumferentially surround the two adjacent pipe ends, and a lockingmechanism coupled with the elongated band. The locking mechanism isconfigured to bring together the first and second ends of the band, andthe locking mechanism is further configured to tighten and lock theapparatus in a locked configuration about the two adjacent pipe ends.The locking mechanism comprises a flexible elongated tab coupled withand extending away from the first end of the band, a lip coupled withand extending away from an end of the tab, a channel coupled with andextending away from the second end of the band, with the channelconfigured to receive the tab therethrough, and a stop coupled with andprojecting away from the band near the channel, with the stop configuredto contact the lip. In the locked configuration, the tab extends throughthe channel and the lip contacts the stop thereby restricting movementof the tab out of the channel.

In some embodiments, the end of the tab containing the lip comprises anupwardly bent portion, the bent portion further restricting movement ofthe tab out of the channel in the locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the stop extends in a direction away from thechannel.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of thestops defining a plurality of grooves each configured to receive the lipin the locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first arcuateprojection coupled with and extending away from the first end of theband, and a second arcuate projection coupled with and extending awayfrom the second end of the band, with the first and second arcuateprojections configured for gripping with a tool to facilitate tighteningand locking the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises anotherflexible elongated tab coupled with and extending away from the firstend of the band, another lip coupled with and extending away from an endof the other tab, another channel coupled with and extending away fromthe second end of the band, with the other channel configured to receivethe other tab therethrough, and another stop coupled with and projectingaway from the band near the other channel, with the other stopconfigured to contact the other lip. In the locked configuration, theother tab extends through the other channel and the other lip contactsthe other stop thereby restricting movement of the other tab out of theother channel.

In some embodiments, the end of the other tab containing the other lipcomprises another upwardly bent portion, with the other bent portionfurther restricting movement of the other tab out of the other channelin the locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the other stop extends in a direction away from theother channel.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of theother stops defining a plurality of other grooves each configured toreceive the other lip in the locked configuration.

In another aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated band having a first endand a second end opposite the first end, the band configured tocircumferentially surround the two adjacent pipe ends, and a lockingmechanism coupled with the elongated band, with the locking mechanismconfigured to bring together the first and second ends of the band, andwith the locking mechanism further configured to tighten and lock theapparatus in a locked configuration about the two adjacent pipe ends.The locking mechanism comprises a flexible elongated tab coupled withand extending away from the first end of the band, with the tabincluding a raised portion on an outer surface of the tab, and a channelcoupled with and extending away from the second end of the band, withthe channel configured to receive the tab therethrough, and with thechannel including a series of slots configured to receive therein theraised portion of the tab when the tab is inserted through the channel.In the locked configuration, the tab extends through the channel and theraised portion of the tab is inserted into one of the slots of thechannel thereby restricting movement of the tab out of the channel.

In some embodiments, the elongated tab can flex up and down to allow theraised portion of the tab to move, respectively, into and out of one ofthe slots of the channel.

In some embodiments, the tab further comprises a lip coupled with andextending away from an end of the tab.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a stop coupled withand projecting from the second end of the band, with the lip of the tabconfigured to contact the stop to prevent the tab from exiting thechannel.

In some embodiments, the series of slots are parallel to each other andextend in a direction transversely to the elongated band.

In some embodiments, the raised portion of the tab is elongated andcomplements a shape of the slots.

In some embodiments, the channel includes an angled end portion on anend of the channel farthest from the second end of the band.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first arcuateprojection coupled with and extending away from the first end of theband, and a second arcuate projection coupled with and extending awayfrom the second end of the band, with the first and second arcuateprojections configured for gripping with a tool to facilitate tighteningand locking the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first and second arcuate projections areC-shaped projections. In some embodiments, the first and second arcuateprojections are rounded pins.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises anotherflexible elongated tab coupled with and extending away from the firstend of the band, the other tab including another raised portion onanother outer surface of the other tab, and another channel coupled withand extending away from the second end of the band, with the otherchannel configured to receive the other tab therethrough, and with theother channel including a series of other slots configured to receivetherein the other raised portion of the other tab when the other tab isinserted through the other channel. In the locked configuration, theother tab extends through the other channel and the other raised portionof the other tab is inserted into one of the other slots of the otherchannel thereby restricting movement of the other tab out of the otherchannel.

In some embodiments, the other elongated tab can flex up and down toallow the other raised portion of the other tab to move, respectively,into and out of one of the other slots of the other channel.

In some embodiments, the other tab further comprises another lip coupledwith and extending away from an end of the other tab.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises another stopcoupled with and projecting from the second end of the band, with theother lip of the other tab configured to contact the other stop toprevent the other tab from exiting the other channel.

In some embodiments, the series of other slots are parallel to eachother and extend in a direction transversely to the elongated band.

In some embodiments, the raised portion of the other tab is elongatedand complements a shape of the other slots. In some embodiments, theother channel includes an angled end portion on an end of the otherchannel farthest from the second end of the band.

In another aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second elongated bandportions, each band portion having a first end and a second end oppositethe first end, with the first band portion configured tocircumferentially surround one of the two adjacent pipe ends and thesecond band portion configured to circumferentially surround the otherof the two adjacent pipe ends, a plurality of transverse ties eachconnecting the first band portion with the second band portion, and alocking mechanism coupled with the apparatus, the locking mechanismconfigured to bring together the first and second ends of the bandportions, with the locking mechanism further configured to tighten andlock the apparatus in a locked configuration about the two adjacent pipeends. The locking mechanism comprises a first flexible elongated tabcoupled with and extending away from the first end of the first bandportion, the first tab including a first raised portion on an outersurface of the first tab, a first channel coupled with and extendingaway from the second end of the first band portion, the first channelconfigured to receive the first tab therethrough, with the first channelincluding a series of first slots configured to receive therein thefirst raised portion of the first tab when the first tab is insertedthrough the first channel, and a second flexible elongated tab coupledwith and extending away from the second end of the second band portion,with the second tab including a second raised portion on an outersurface of the second tab, and a second channel coupled with andextending away from the first end of the second band portion, with thesecond channel configured to receive the second tab therethrough, andwith the second channel including a series of second slots configured toreceive therein the second raised portion of the second tab when thesecond tab is inserted through the second channel. In the lockedconfiguration, the first tab extends through the first channel and thefirst raised portion of the first tab is inserted into one of the firstslots of the first channel thereby restricting movement of the first tabout of the first channel, and in the locked configuration the second tabextends through the second channel and the second raised portion of thesecond tab is inserted into one of the second slots of the secondchannel thereby restricting movement of the second tab out of the secondchannel.

In some embodiments, in the locked configuration, the first band portionhas a first diameter and the second band portion has a second diameter,and wherein the first and second diameters are different.

In some embodiments, the first elongated tab can flex up and down toallow the first raised portion to move, respectively, into and out ofone of the first slots, and wherein the second elongated tab can flex upand down to allow the second raised portion to move, respectively, intoand out of one of the second slots.

In some embodiments, the first tab further comprises a first lip coupledwith and extending away from an end of the first tab, and the second tabfurther comprises a second lip coupled with and extending away from anend of the second tab.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first stopcoupled with and projecting from the second end of the first band, and asecond stop coupled with and projecting from the first end of the secondband, with the first lip of the first tab configured to contact thefirst stop to prevent the first tab from exiting the first channel, andthe second lip of the second tab configured to contact the second stopto prevent the second tab from exiting the second channel.

In some embodiments, the series of first slots are parallel to eachother and extend in a direction transversely to the elongated first bandportion, and the series of second slots are parallel to each other andextend in a direction transversely to the elongated second band portion.

In some embodiments, the first raised portion of the first tab iselongated and complements a shape of the first slots, and the secondraised portion of the second tab is elongated and complements a shape ofthe second slots.

In some embodiments, the first channel includes a first angled endportion on an end of the first channel farthest from the second end ofthe band, and the second channel includes a second angled end portion onan end of the second channel farthest from the first end of the band.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first arcuateprojection coupled with and extending away from the first end of thefirst band portion, and a second arcuate projection coupled with andextending away from the second end of the second band portion, with thefirst and second arcuate projections configured for gripping with a toolto facilitate tightening and locking the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first and second arcuate projections arerounded pins.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first projectioncoupled with and extending away from the first end of the first bandportion, with the first projection defining a cavity facing away fromthe first end of the first band portion, and a second projection coupledwith and extending away from the second end of the first band portion,with the second projection defining a cavity facing away from the secondend of the first band portion, a third projection coupled with andextending away from the first end of the second band portion, with thethird projection defining a cavity facing away from the first end of thesecond band portion, and a fourth projection coupled with and extendingaway from the second end of the second band portion, with the fourthprojection defining a cavity facing away from the second end of thesecond band portion, and with the first, second, third and fourthprojections each configured for receiving a tool within their respectivecavities to facilitate tightening and locking the apparatus.

In another aspect, a method of coupling a first and second pipe end isdisclosed. The method comprises surrounding the first and second pipeends with an elongated band, wherein the first and second pipe ends arelocated adjacent to each other, and locking a locking mechanism that iscoupled with the elongated band such that the elongated band tightensand thereby securely couples the adjacent first and second pipe ends.Locking the locking mechanism comprises inserting a flexible tab throughan opening defined by a channel, wherein the flexible tab is coupledwith a first end of the elongated band and the channel is coupled with asecond end of the elongated band that is opposite the first end, andreceiving a raised portion of the flexible tab into a slot defined by awall of the channel thereby restricting movement of the flexible tab outof the channel.

In some embodiments, locking the locking mechanism further comprisesflexing the flexible tab.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a firstarcuate projection into the head of a tightening tool, with the firstarcuate projection coupled with the first end of the elongated band, andreceiving a second arcuate projection into the head of the tighteningtool, with the second arcuate projection coupled with the second end ofthe elongated band, and rotating the head of the tightening tool to biasthe first and second arcuate projections toward each other.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises surrounding the firstand second pipe ends with a gasket, where surrounding the first andsecond pipe ends with the elongated band comprises surrounding thegasket with the elongated band, and where locking the locking mechanismcomprises tightening the elongated band at least partially on thegasket.

In another aspect, a method of coupling a first and second pipe end isdisclosed. The method comprises surrounding the first pipe end with afirst circumferential portion of an elongated band, surrounding thesecond pipe end with a second circumferential portion of the elongatedband, where the first and second circumferential portions of theelongated band are connected together by a plurality of transverse tiesextending generally orthogonally to the elongated band, and where thefirst and second pipe ends are located adjacent to each other, andlocking a locking mechanism that is coupled with the elongated band suchthat the elongated band tightens and thereby securely couples theadjacent first and second pipe ends. Locking the locking mechanismcomprises inserting a first flexible tab through a first opening definedby a first channel, where the first flexible tab is coupled with a firstend of the first circumferential portion of the elongated band and thefirst channel is coupled with a second end of the first circumferentialportion of the elongated band that is opposite the first end of thefirst circumferential portion of the elongated band, receiving a firstraised portion of the first flexible tab into a first slot defined by afirst wall of the first channel thereby restricting movement of thefirst flexible tab out of the first channel, inserting a second flexibletab through a second opening defined by a second channel, where thesecond flexible tab is coupled with a first end of the secondcircumferential portion of the elongated band and the second channel iscoupled with a second end of the second circumferential portion of theelongated band that is opposite the first end of the secondcircumferential portion of the elongated band, and receiving a secondraised portion of the second flexible tab into a second slot defined bya second wall of the second channel thereby restricting movement of thesecond flexible tab out of the second channel.

In some embodiments, locking the locking mechanism further comprisesflexing the first flexible tab and flexing the second flexible tab.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a firstarcuate projection into the head of a tightening tool, where the firstarcuate projection is coupled with the first or second end of the firstcircumferential portion of the elongated band, receiving a secondarcuate projection into the head of the tightening tool, where thesecond arcuate projection is coupled with the first or second end of thesecond circumferential portion of the elongated band, and rotating thehead of the tightening tool to bias the first and second arcuateprojections toward each other.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises surrounding the firstand second pipe ends with a gasket, where surrounding the first andsecond pipe ends with the elongated band comprises surrounding thegasket with the elongated band, and where locking the locking mechanismcomprises tightening the elongated band at least partially on thegasket.

In another aspect, a gasket is disclosed. The gasket comprises a roundedsidewall defining a channel therethrough in a first direction, with thesidewall comprising a first sidewall portion having a first edge and asecond edge that is opposite the first edge, the first and second edgesextending generally in the first direction, and the first sidewallportion having a first thickness, and a first membrane sectionconnecting the first edge to the second edge, the first membrane sectionextending generally in the first direction, and the first membranesection having a second thickness, with the second thickness less thanthe first thickness.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion further comprises asecond membrane section extending generally in the first direction andhaving the second thickness.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion further comprises athird membrane section extending generally in the first direction andhaving the second thickness.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion further comprises afourth membrane section extending generally in the first direction andhaving the second thickness.

In some embodiments, the first membrane section is configured to atleast partially collapse to bring the first and second edges closer toeach other.

In some embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth membranesections are each configured to at least partially collapse.

In some embodiments, the rounded sidewall further comprises a first halfhaving an outer end and an inner end, with the outer end defining afirst opening of the channel and having a first width, a second halfhaving an outer end and an inner end, with the outer end defining asecond opening of the channel opposite the first end of the channel, andwith the second end having a second width, with the inner ends of thefirst and second halves connected and having a third width, and with thethird width less than the first and second widths.

In some embodiments, the first and second halves are frustoconical.

In some embodiments, the rounded sidewall further comprises a first halfhaving an outer end and an inner end, with the outer end defining afirst opening of the channel and having a first width, a second halfhaving an outer end and an inner end, with the outer end defining asecond opening of the channel opposite the first end of the channel, andwith the second end having a second width, with the inner ends of thefirst and second halves connected and having a third width, and with thethird width less than the first and second widths.

In some embodiments, the first and second halves are frustoconical.

In some embodiments, the membrane section comprises a first portioncoupled with the first half of the sidewall and extending from the outerend of the first half to the inner end of the first half, with the firstportion of the membrane wider at the outer end than at the inner end,and a second portion coupled with the second half of the sidewall andextending from the outer end of the second half to the inner end of thesecond half, with the second portion of the membrane wider at the outerend than at the inner end.

In some embodiments, the membrane section defines an inner gap facingthe channel.

In some embodiments, the membrane section defines an outer gap on anouter surface of the sidewall.

In some embodiments, the membrane section defines an inner gap facingthe channel and defines an outer gap on an outer surface of thesidewall.

In some embodiments, the membrane section is configured to collapsegenerally into a Z-shape.

In some embodiments, the membrane section comprises an edge configuredto bias the membrane section to collapse into the Z-shape.

In some embodiments, the gasket further comprises a first end and asecond end that is opposite the first end, with the first edge, thesecond edge and the membrane section extending from the first end to thesecond end.

In some embodiments, the membrane section is configured to collapsegenerally into a V-shape.

In some embodiments, the membrane section comprises an edge configuredto bias the membrane section to collapse into the V-shape.

In some embodiments, the gasket further comprises a first end, a secondend that is opposite the first end, and a circumferential ridge coupledwith the sidewall and projecting into the channel in between the firstand second ends.

In some embodiments, the circumferential ridge comprises a plurality ofridge portions interrupted and separated by the membrane section.

In some embodiments, the gasket further comprises a first end and asecond end that is opposite the first end, with the first edge, thesecond edge and the membrane section extending from the first end to alocation in between the first and second ends.

In some embodiments, the gasket further comprises a first end, a secondend that is opposite the first end, and a circumferential ridge coupledwith the sidewall and projecting into the channel in between the firstand second ends.

In some embodiments, the first edge comprises first and second edgeportions, with the second edge comprising first and second edgeportions, with the first membrane section comprising first and secondmembrane portions, with the first edge portions and first membranesection extending from the first end toward the ridge, and with thesecond edge portions and second membrane section extending from thesecond end toward the ridge.

In some embodiments, the first edge portions and first membrane sectionextend from the first end to the ridge, and the second edge portions andsecond membrane section extend from the second end to the ridge.

In another aspect, a tool for closing two ends of a clamp is disclosed.The tool comprises a handle and a head coupled with the handle, with thehead comprising a sidewall defining a cavity therein, with the cavityhaving a rounded portion configured to contact arcuate projections ofthe clamp, and where rotation of the head about the arcuate projectionsbiases the two ends of the clamp substantially linearly towards eachother.

In another aspect, a tool for closing two ends of a clamp is disclosed.The tool comprises a handle and a head coupled with the handle, with thehead comprising an outer sidewall defining a cavity therein, with thecavity having a rounded portion configured to contact arcuateprojections of the clamp, and an inner spiral wall coupled with theouter sidewall and occupying a portion of the cavity, where rotation ofthe head about the arcuate projections biases the two ends of the clampsubstantially linearly towards each other.

In another aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated band having a first endand a second end opposite the first end, with the band configured tocircumferentially surround the two adjacent pipe ends, and a lockingmechanism coupled with the elongated band. The locking mechanism isconfigured to bring together the first and second ends of the band, withthe locking mechanism further configured to tighten and lock theapparatus in a locked configuration about the two adjacent pipe ends.The locking mechanism comprises a latch having a first end and a secondend, with the latch rotatably coupled near the first end of the latchwith the first end of the band, with the latch further having a firstprojecting pin located near the second end of the latch, and the latchfurther having a curved side edge, and a locking projection coupled withthe second end of the band, with the locking projection having a curvedsurface that is complementary to the curved side edge of the latch, andwith the latch configured to rotate such that the latch securedlyengages the locking projection by contacting at least part of the curvedside edge of the latch to the curved surface of the locking projection.

In another aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated band having a first endand a second end opposite the first end, with the band configured tocircumferentially surround the two adjacent pipe ends, with the firstend comprising at least one opening therethrough and the second endcomprising at least one channel having a plurality of slots, a pincomprising a base coupled with a protrusion extending away from thebase, with the protrusion configured to extend through the opening ofthe elongated band, a flexible elongated tab comprising a base portionand an extension portion opposite the base portion, with the baseportion having an opening therethrough and the extension having a raisedportion extending away from the base portion, and with the opening ofthe base portion configured to receive the protrusion of the pintherethrough, and a channel coupled with and extending away from thesecond end of the band, with the channel configured to receive theextension portion of the tab therethrough, and with the channelincluding a series of slots configured to receive therein the raisedportion of the tab when the tab is inserted into the channel therebyrestricting movement of the tab out of the channel.

In some embodiments, the second end of the band comprises at least onesecond opening therethrough, and the apparatus further comprises asecond pin comprising a second base coupled with a second protrusionextending away from the second base, with the second protrusionconfigured to extend through the at least one second opening of theelongated band, a second flexible elongated tab comprising a second baseportion and a second extension portion opposite the second base portion,with the second base portion having a second opening therethrough andthe second extension having a second raised portion extending away fromthe second base portion, with the second opening of the second baseportion configured to receive the second protrusion of the second pintherethrough, and a second channel coupled with and extending away fromthe first end of the band, with the second channel configured to receivethe second extension portion of the second tab therethrough, and withthe second channel including a series of second slots configured toreceive therein the second raised portion of the second tab when thesecond tab is inserted into the second channel thereby restrictingmovement of the second tab out of the second channel.

In some embodiments, the first and second pins comprise first and secondbases that are wider than the first and second openings of the elongatedband.

In some embodiments, the elongated band comprises first and secondraised corners that each include respectively the first and secondopenings of the elongated band.

In some embodiments, the elongated band and first and second channelsare formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

In some embodiments, the elongated flexible tab is formed from sheetmetal.

In another aspect, a tool for closing two ends of a clamp is disclosed.The tool comprises a tool head having a first end and a second endopposite the first end, with the tool head defining between the firstand second ends an opening configured to receive therein a handle, afirst sidewall having a first contour and located at the first end ofthe tool head, with the first sidewall defining a first cavity facing afirst direction and configured to contact a first arcuate projection ofthe clamp, a second sidewall having a second contour and located at thesecond end of the tool head, with the second sidewall defining a secondcavity facing a second direction opposite the first direction andconfigured to contact a second arcuate projection of the clamp, with thefirst and second contours of the first and second sidewalls configuredsuch that rotation of the head about the first and second arcuateprojections biases the two ends of the clamp substantially linearlytowards each other.

In another aspect, an apparatus for coupling two adjacent pipe ends isdisclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated band having a first endand a second end opposite the first end, with the band configured tocircumferentially surround the two adjacent pipe ends, with the firstend of the band defining a plurality of slots therethrough, with thesecond end comprising a raised tab formed from the elongated band, andwith the second end of the band configured to slide underneath the firstend of the band such that the raised tab is received by at least one ofthe plurality of slots thereby restricting movement of the first end ofthe band relative to the second end of the band.

In some embodiments, the first end of the band defines a secondplurality of slots therethrough, with the second end comprising a secondraised tab formed from the elongated band, and with the second end ofthe band configured to slide underneath the first end of the band suchthat the second raised tab is received by at least one of the secondplurality of slots thereby restricting movement of the first end of theband relative to the second end of the band.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first grippingelement coupled with and projecting away from the first end of the band,and a second gripping element coupled with and projecting away from thesecond end of the band, with the first and second gripping elementsconfigured to be engaged by a tool such that rotation of the tool willbias the first and second ends of the band substantially linearlytowards each other.

In some embodiments, the first gripping element is located on the firstend of the band adjacent the plurality of slots, and the second grippingelement is located on the second end of the band adjacent the raisedtab.

In some embodiments, the first gripping element comprises a firstarcuate projection and the second gripping element comprises a secondarcuate projection.

In another aspect, a gasket is disclosed. The gasket comprises a roundedsidewall defining a channel therethrough in a first direction, thesidewall comprising a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. Thetop and bottom ends each comprise a first sidewall portion having afirst edge and a second edge that is opposite the first edge with aninner seal extending generally perpendicular to the first direction andat least partially between the first and second edges along an innersurface of the first sidewall portion, the first and second edgesextending generally in the first direction, and the first sidewallportion having a first thickness The top and bottom ends further eachcomprise a first membrane section connecting the first edge to thesecond edge, the first membrane section extending generally in the firstdirection, and the first membrane section having a second thickness,wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

In some embodiments, the first membrane section of the top end isrotated angularly about the first direction with respect to the firstmembrane section of the bottom end. In some embodiments, the inner sealcomprising a first inner seal portion and a second inner seal portion,the first and second inner seal portions extending parallel to eachother and generally perpendicular to the first direction and at leastpartially between the first and second edges along the inner surface ofthe first sidewall portion. In some embodiments, the first sidewallportion further comprising a second, a third, and a fourth membranesection, wherein each of the membrane sections extends generally in thefirst direction, wherein each of the membrane sections connects opposingedges of the first sidewall portion, wherein each of the membranesections has the second thickness, and wherein the inner seal extendsbetween each of the membrane sections inner surfaces of the firstsidewall portion. In some embodiments, the first membrane sectionconfigured to at least partially collapse to bring the first and secondedges closer to each other. In some embodiments, the first, second,third and fourth membrane sections configured to at least partiallycollapse to bring opposing edges closer to each other. In someembodiments, the rounded sidewall further comprises a first half havinga first outer end and a first inner end, the first outer end defining afirst opening of the channel and having a first width; and a second halfhaving a second outer end and a second inner end, the second outer enddefining a second opening of the channel opposite the first end of thechannel, the second end having a second width, wherein the first andsecond inner ends are connected at a middle portion having a thirdwidth, and wherein the third width is less than each of the first andsecond widths. In some embodiments, the first and second halves arefrustoconical. In some embodiments, the rounded sidewall furthercomprises a first half having a first outer end and a first inner end,the first outer end defining a first opening of the channel and having afirst width; a second half having a second outer end and a second innerend, the second outer end defining a second opening of the channelopposite the first end of the channel, the second end having a secondwidth, wherein the first and second inner ends are connected at a middleportion having a third width, and wherein the third width is less thaneach of the first and second widths. In some embodiments, the membranesection comprises a first portion coupled with the first half of thesidewall and extending from the first outer end of the first half to thefirst inner end of the first half, wherein the first portion of themembrane is wider at the first outer end than at the first inner end;and a second portion coupled with the second half of the sidewall andextending from the second outer end of the second half to the secondinner end of the second half, wherein the second portion of the membraneis wider at the second outer end than at the second inner end. In someembodiments, the membrane section is configured to collapse generallyinto a Z-shape. In some embodiments, the membrane section is configuredto collapse generally into a V-shape. In some embodiments, the gasketfurther comprises a first end; a second end that is opposite the firstend; and a circumferential ridge coupled with the sidewall andprojecting into the channel in between the first and second ends. Thecircumferential ridge may comprise a plurality of ridge portionsinterrupted and separated by the membrane section or sections. In someembodiments, the gasket further comprises a first end; and a second endthat is opposite the first end, wherein the first edge, the second edgeand the membrane section extend from the first end to a location inbetween the first and second ends. In some embodiments, the first edgecomprises first and second edge portions, wherein the second edgecomprises third and fourth edge portions, wherein the first membranesection comprises first and second membrane portions, wherein the firstand third edge portions and the first membrane portion each extend fromthe first end of the gasket toward the ridge, and wherein the second andfourth edge portions and second membrane portion each extend from thesecond end of the gasket toward the ridge. In some embodiments, thefirst and third edge portions and the first membrane portion each extendfrom the first end of the gasket to the ridge, and wherein the secondand fourth edge portions and second membrane portion each extend fromthe second end of the gasket to the ridge. In some embodiments, thefirst membrane section of the top end is rotated angularly forty-fivedegrees about the first direction with respect to the first membranesection of the bottom end.

In another aspect, a system for connecting two pipe ends is disclosed.The system comprises a gasket and a clamp. The gasket is configured tobe placed over the two pipe ends, the gasket having a rounded sidewalldefining a channel therethrough in a first direction, the sidewallcomprising a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. The top andbottom ends each comprise a first sidewall portion having a first edgeand a second edge that is opposite the first edge with an inner sealextending generally perpendicular to the first direction and at leastpartially between the first and second edges along an inner surface ofthe first sidewall portion, the first and second edges extendinggenerally in the first direction, and the first sidewall portion havinga first thickness; and a first membrane section connecting the firstedge to the second edge, the first membrane section extending generallyin the first direction, and the first membrane section having a secondthickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the firstthickness. The clamp has a locking mechanism, the locking mechanismconfigured to be locked to secure the clamp over the gasket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, thedisclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough use of the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forma part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrativeembodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claimsare not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, andother changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood thatthe aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein,and illustrated in the drawing, can be arranged, substituted, combined,and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of whichare explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly of a clampand two pipe ends.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp having alocking mechanism.

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a tab that may be used with the lockingmechanism of FIGS. 2A-2B.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lockingmechanism that may be used with the clamp of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamp having alocking mechanism.

FIG. 2F is a detail view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2E

FIG. 2G is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool that may beused with various embodiments of the clamps described herein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lockingmechanism that may be used with the various clamps described herein.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lockingmechanism that may be used with the various clamps described herein.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view an embodiment of a tab that may be usedwith the locking mechanism of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view an embodiment of a channel that may beused with the locking mechanism of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view another embodiment of a channel that maybe used with the locking mechanism of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a perspective view an embodiment of a gripping element thatmay be used with the locking mechanism of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view another embodiment of a tool that may beused with various embodiments of the clamps described herein.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the tool of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism thatmay be used with the various clamps described herein.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tab and channel thatmay be used with the locking mechanism of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tab that may be usedwith the locking mechanism of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool that may beused with various embodiments of the clamps described herein.

FIGS. 7B and 7C perspective views of embodiments of a tool head that maybe used with the tool of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of a tool head coupled with alocking mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a projection of the locking mechanismof FIG. 9.

FIG. 10A is a top view of an embodiment of a gasket.

FIG. 10B is a cross-section view of the gasket of FIG. 10A, as takenalong the line 10B-10B indicated in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a top view of another embodiment of a gasket.

FIGS. 10D and 10E are perspective and top views, respectively, of aportion of another embodiment of a gasket.

FIG. 10F is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of agasket.

FIG. 10G is a top view of the gasket of FIG. 10F assembled with a clamp.

FIG. 10H is a perspective view of another embodiment of a gasket.

FIG. 10I is a top view of the gasket of FIG. 10H.

FIG. 10J is a side view of the gasket of FIG. 10H.

FIG. 10K is a cross-section view of the gasket of FIG. 10H taken alongthe line 10K-10K as indicated in FIG. 10J.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism that maybe used with the various clamps described herein.

FIG. 12A is a top view of an embodiment of a band in a flatconfiguration that may be used to form the clamps described herein.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the band of FIG. 12A in a roundedconfiguration.

FIG. 12C is a top view of an embodiment of a tab in a flat configurationthat may be used with the band of FIGS. 12A-12B.

FIG. 12D is a top view of the tab of FIG. 12C in a roundedconfiguration.

FIG. 12E is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pin that may beused with the band of FIGS. 12A-12B.

FIG. 12F is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool that may beused with the band of FIGS. 12A-12B.

FIG. 12G is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly of theband of FIGS. 12A-12B, the tab of FIGS. 12C-12D and the pin of FIG. 12Eengaged by the tool of FIG. 12F.

FIG. 12H is a top view of an embodiment of a clamp formed from thecomponents of FIGS. 12A-12E and engaged by the tool of FIG. 12F.

FIG. 13A is a top view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism thatmay be used with the various clamps described herein.

FIG. 13B is a top view of a portion of the locking mechanism of FIG.13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the development. In this description, reference is madeto the drawings wherein like parts or steps may be designated with likenumerals throughout for clarity. Reference in this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutuallyexclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are describedwhich may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly,various requirements are described which may be requirements for someembodiments but may not be requirements for other embodiments.

Systems, devices and methods for a no hub clamp are described which maybe used to couple two abutting pipes together. A collapsible gasket maybe used. The gasket may have ends with oversized widths to assist withinstallation of the gasket over the pipe ends. The gasket may have awall having sections of thin membrane that collapse when the clamp istightened over the gasket. The clamp may have a band with a connectingmechanism on either end of the band for convenient locking together ofthe ends of the band about the pipes. The band may be an extended,bendable material. The band may also be two narrower, elongatedsub-bands connected together in between by flexible connecting elementssuch as transverse ties. The connecting or locking mechanism can have aprotruding tab with a projection or lip that snaps in an edge of theopposite end of the band. The connecting mechanism may have tunnelsthrough which flexible members are received. The band may have slots onone end, such is in the tunnels or in the band, that receive acomplementary tab or projection on the other end of the band, such as inthe flexible members or in the band, to secure the two ends of the bandtogether. The bands may further have gripping projections that assistwith closing and securing the clamp. The bands and connecting mechanismfeatures may be manufactured from inexpensive materials and processes,for example with sheet metal and stamping or pressing processes.Further, the various connecting mechanisms may be locked using a toolthat fits the particular connecting mechanism features, such as thegripping projections. The tool and gripping projections may beconfigured such that applying a torque to the tool translates the twoends of the band substantially linearly toward each other. Therefore,simple, easy to use, and inexpensively-manufactured clamps andassociated components are disclosed that simplify and reduce the costsassociated with connecting pipe ends while providing reliable anddurable seals and connections.

The various clamps, pipes, gaskets, tools and methods described hereinmay be used as particularly described or in other suitable manners. Forinstance, the clamps and gaskets described herein may be used with eachother in combinations other than those explicitly described. Thus, thedescription of a particular clamp with a particular gasket is not meantto be limiting the usage of that particular clamp with that particulargasket. The clamps described herein may be used with any of the gasketsdescribed herein or with other gaskets not described herein. Similarly,the gaskets described herein may be used with any of the clampsdescribed herein or with other clamps or devices not described herein.

Embodiments of the development will now be described with reference tothe accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein isnot intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner,simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments of the development.Furthermore, embodiments of the development may include several novelfeatures, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirableattributes or which is essential to practicing the invention describedherein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly 10 of a clamp 100 securing afirst pipe 110 with a second pipe 120. The pipes 110, 120 may becircular, metallic pipes used in a variety of contexts. For example, thepipes 110, 120 may be used for plumbing or for other fluidtransportation purposes. The pipes 110, 120 may have other cross-sectionshapes beside circular and/or be formed of other materials. In someembodiments, the pipes 110, 120 may be other fluid-conveying membersbesides pipes, including but not limited to tubes such as automotive orengine tubes or lines, flexible tubes, channels, and the like. The pipes110, 120 may meet at an interface 115. The interface 115 may be alocation where the first pipe 110 abuts the second pipe 120. Theinterface 115 is shown in dashed line because it is underneath the clamp100. The interface 115 may include other features located in between thetwo adjacent ends of the pipes 110, 120, for example a gasket orportions thereof. Therefore, the embodiment of the assembly 10 shown isexemplary only.

The clamp 100 may surround the two ends of the pipes 110, 120. The clamp100 may have a generally circular or otherwise rounded shape configuredto surround and conform to a contour or contours of the outer surfacesof the pipes 110, 120, and/or to other features in between the clamp 100and the pipes 110, 120. Although described primarily herein as having agenerally circular or otherwise rounded shape, the clamp 100 may haveother shapes to conform to non-circular or non-rounded shapes orsegments of the pipes 110, 120. Portions of the outer surfaces of thepipes 110, 120 are shown in dashed line underneath the clamp 100 forclarity. As is discussed in further detail below, other features orstructures may be located in between the clamp 100 and the outersurfaces of the two pipes 110, 120. For example, there may be a gasketor other types of seals in between the clamp 100 and the two pipes 110,120.

The clamp 100 may include an elongated band 102. The elongated band 102may be a main body of the clamp. The band 102 may extend around the endsof the two pipes 110, 120. The band 102 may be elongatedcircumferentially around the pipes 110, 120. In some embodiments, thelength of the band 102 in the direction of elongation is longer than thewidth of the band 102. The band 102 may be formed from a metallicmaterial. In some embodiments, the band 102 is stainless steel. The band102 may be formed from a variety of other suitable materials as well,whether metallic or otherwise, or combinations thereof. Therefore, theband 102 may be formed from a variety of materials, having varyingdegrees of rigidity, flexibility, etc.

The band 102 may include a first end 104 and a second end 106. The firstend 104 is located opposite the second end 106. The first end 104 mayrefer to a region on the end of the band 102. Therefore, the first end104 may not only be confined to an edge or other narrow portion of thatend of the band 102. The first end 104 may thus be a region thatincludes an edge as well as some inner region or portion of the band102. The second end 106 may the same or similar features as the firstend 104.

The clamp 100 may include a locking mechanism 101. The locking mechanism101 may lock or otherwise secure the two ends 104, 106 together. Thelocking mechanism 101 may be used to bring together the two ends 104,106 of the clamp 102 and tighten the clamp 100 onto the two pipes 110,120, which may be at or near the interface 115. The locking mechanism101 may be located between the first end 104 and the second end 106. Asshown, the locking mechanism 101 may be coupled with the first end 104and the second end 106. The locking mechanism 101 may therefore connectthe first end 104 to the second end 106. As is further discussed indetail below, the locking mechanism 101 may be adjustable so that theclamp 100 can accommodate various sizes and/or shapes of pipes 110, 120.The locking mechanism 101 may have a substantially shorter length ascompared to that of the band 102. In some embodiments, the length of thelocking mechanism 101 may be longer. Further, the locking mechanism 101may have a width similar to that of the band 102. In some embodiments,the locking mechanism 101 may be narrower or wider than that of the band102.

FIGS. 2A through 2F depict various views of various embodiments of aclamp 200 having a locking mechanism 201. FIG. 2G depicts an embodimentof a tool 230 that may be used with various embodiments of the clampsdescribed herein, such as the clamp 200, as is discussed in furtherdetail below.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the clamp 200 may have a locking mechanism 201connecting a first end 204 of an elongated band 202 to a second end 206of the elongated band 202. The first end 204 may be located on theopposite end of the band 202 as that of the second end 206. The band 202may have the same or similar features as other bands described herein,for example the elongated band 102. The locking mechanism 201 may havethe same or similar features as other locking mechanisms describedherein, for example the locking mechanism 101.

As shown, the band 202 may be generally circular or otherwise rounded.The band 202 may include a first edge portion 202A and a second edgeportion 202B. The edge portions 202A, 202B may extend circumferentiallyalong two edges of the band 202. The edge portions 202A, 202B may besolid portions of the band 202. The edge portions 202A, 202B may bedirectly connected at one or both of the ends 204, 206 by a transverseextension of either or both of the edge portions 202A, 202B.

The band 202 may include a middle portion 202C. The middle portion 202Cmay extend circumferentially along the band 202 and connect the two edgeportions 202A, 202B to each other. The middle portion 202C may include aseries of slots. The slots may extend transversely with respect to thelength of the band 202. The middle portion 202C may provide increasedflexibility to the band 202. In some embodiments, the middle portion202C may be composed of a multitude of smaller bar elements. In someembodiments, the middle portion 202C may be formed from a multitude ofbar elements, either spaced or touching, extending transversely andconnecting the first edge portion 202A to the second edge portion 202B.

The clamp 200 may include a connector 208. The connector 208 may connectthe two ends 204, 206 of the band 202. The connector 208 may berotatably connected to the two ends 204, 206 as discussed in furtherdetail below. The connector 208 may be a planar solid sheet of materialsuch as metal or other suitable materials.

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the clamp 200 of the region indicated bydetail 2B as shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, the connector 208may have a first end 210 and a second end 212 that is opposite the firstend 210. The first and second ends 210, 212 may be rounded so as toprovide a rotatable or hinged connection with the band 202. As shown,the band 202 may have a corresponding rounded portion 205 at the firstend 204 and a corresponding rounded portion 207 at the second end 206.The rounded portion 205 may rotatably connect with the first end 210 ofthe connector 208. The rounded portion 207 of the second end 206 mayrotatably connect with the second end 212 of the connector 208. Theconfiguration shown is merely one example and other rotatable or hingedconnected interfaces between the connector 208 and the ends 204, 206 ofthe band 202 may be implemented. The rotatable interfaces allow for theends 204, 206 of the band 202 to rotate relative to the ends 210, 212 ofthe connector 208. This allows for example for the second end 206 of theband 202 to be brought closer to and rotated over the second end 204 ofthe band 202 in the direction indicated by the arrow 203. In someembodiments, the axis of rotation may be along the interface between therounded portion 205 and the first end 210 of the connector 208. Forexample, the second end 206 may be rotated about the first end 204 tobring the second end 206 closer to features, such as a flexible tab 211,located on or near the first end 204.

The locking mechanism 201 may include the flexible tab 211 on the firstend 204 and an edge 216 on the second end 206. In some embodiments, theedge 216 may be moved, for example rotated with the second end 206 asdescribed above, to the flexible tab 211 such that the edge 216 snapsinto place with the flexible tab 211. The flexible tab 211 may securethe edge 216 thereby locking or otherwise securing the clamp 200.

The flexible tab 211 may include a projection 209. The projection 209may be coupled with the band 202. As shown, the projection 209 may becoupled with the first end 204 of the band 202. The projection 209 maybe coupled with and extend away from the middle portion 202C of the band202. The projection 209 may be located centrally with respect to theouter edges 202A, 202B. However, the projection 209 may be in a varietyof locations, such as off-center or located on the first or second edgeportions 202A, 202B. In some embodiments, the projection 209 may extendor project substantially orthogonally from that portion of the first end204 to which it is connected. The projection 209 may be a substantiallyflat member. In some embodiments, the projection 209 is rectangular. Theprojection 209 may be formed from a variety of suitable materials, suchas metal or other rigid materials. However, the flexible tab 211 canflex or otherwise deflect away from first end 204 in order to lock witha complementary locking feature on the second end 206. For instance, theflexible tab 211 may flex or deflect in order to secure the tab 211 withthe edge 216.

The flexible tab 211 may also include a lip 214. The lip 214 may extendor project away from an end of the projection 209. The lip 214 may havea triangular cross section. However, other shapes that are suitable maybe implemented. As shown, the lip 214 may project away from an end ofthe projection 209 that is opposite the end of the projection 209 thatis connected to the band 202. The lip 214 may extend towards the secondend 206 of the band 202. The lip 214 may have a length that is same orsimilar as a width of the projection 209. As shown, the lip 214 has thesame length as the width of the projection 209.

The lip 214 and the projection 209 of the flexible tab 211 may define areceiving space 215. The receiving space 215 may be a region underneaththe lip 214 and adjacent the projection 209. The receiving space 215 maybe configured to receive the edge 216. For example, the edge 216 may bebrought on top of the lip 214 which may be an angled surface. By pushingdown on the lip 214 with the edge 216, the flexible tab 211, forexample, the projection 209, may flex in a direction away from the firstend 204 to receive the edge 216 in the receiving space 215. The flexibletab 211 may then flex or deflect back toward the first end 204 once theedge 216 is within the receiving space 215. Thus, the lip 214 may nowsecurely keep the edge 216 within the receiving space 215.

The clamp 200 may include various features to facilitate with closingthe clamp 200 and locking the locking mechanism 201. As shown in FIG.2B, the clamp 200 may include a tunnel 217. There may be two tunnels 217as shown. There may be a tunnel 217 located at the second end 206 nearthe second edge portion 202B and another tunnel 217 located at thesecond end near the first edge portion 202A. This is merely an exampleand more or fewer tunnels 217 may be implemented and in a variety oflocations at the second end 206.

The tunnel 217 may include sidewalls 219 connected by a top member 218.The sidewalls 219 may project away from the second end 206 and beconnected by the top member 218. The sidewalls 219 and the top member218 may be a single, monolithic piece of material. The tunnel 217 maytherefore be formed from a single piece of material that defines thesidewalls 219 and the top member 218. In some embodiments, the tunnel217 is formed from metal and is substantially rigid such that it willnot deflect.

The tunnel 217 may define an opening 221. The opening 221 as shown maybe defined by the sidewalls 219 and the top member 218. The opening 221may be a space configured to receive a tool therein. For instance, atool having a corresponding shape may be inserted into the opening 221in order to facilitate with closing the clamp 200. In some embodiments,a prong or other feature of a tool may be inserted into each of theopenings 221 of the tunnels 217 to bring the second end 206 to the firstend 204 and secure the edge 216 with the flexible tab 211. While thetunnels 217 are shown having a generally square or rectangular shape,other suitable shapes may be implemented. A tool may then have acorresponding shape. Further detail of the tools that may be used arediscussed below, for example, with respect to FIG. 2G.

FIG. 2C depicts an embodiment of the flexible tab 211 that may be usedwith the clamp 200. As shown, the flexible tab 211 may include theprojection 209 connected to two of the lips 214. The two lips 214 may beseparated such that they form a space 213 in between the two lips 214.The two lips 214 may be narrower than embodiments having only a singlelip 214. The smaller or narrower lips 214 may facilitate locking themechanism by making the lips 214 more flexible such that the lockingmechanism 201 may be locked using less force. The receiving space 215may therefore be located underneath each of the lips 214 adjacent to theprojection 209.

As further shown, the projection 209 may be connected to a movable bar202D. The bar 202D may be rigidly connected to the projection 209. Thebar 202D may be moved along the length of a band of a clamp, such asalong the length of the band 202 of the clamp 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.By moving the bar 202D the location of the flexible tab 211 may beadjusted. For example, the bar 202D may be located closer to the firstend 204 in order to provide a more snug fit with the edge 216 in thelocked configuration. Similarly, the bar 202D may be moved farther fromthe first end 204 to provide a less snug fit with the edge 216 in thelocked configuration. The bar 202D may be connected to the band 202 anda variety of suitable ways, for example by being fastened.

FIG. 2D depicts an embodiment of the locking mechanism 201 having anextended connector 208. As shown, the connector 208 may be connected onthe first end 210 with the portion 205 of the first end 204 of the band202, as discussed above. The opposite end of the connector 208 may beextended beyond the interface between the end 212 and the portion 207 ofthe second end 206 of the band 202. As shown, and extension of theconnector 208 may include a first raised nub 208A and/or a second raisednub 208B. In embodiments with both nubs 208A, 208B, a cavity 208C may bedefined therebetween. The cavity 208C may be sized to fit the flexibletab 211.

In some embodiments, the connector 208 may be rotated in the direction203A as shown to bring the cavity 208C into a locked or snappedconfiguration with the flexible tab 211. The cavity 208C may be receivedby the receiving space 215 of the flexible tab 211. The first and secondraised nubs 208A, 208B in the locked configuration may rest on eitherside of the flexible tab 211. This configuration may provide resistanceto relative lateral movement between the two ends 204, 206 of the band202. In some embodiments, the first and second raised nubs 208A, 208Bmay produce a friction or interference fit with the sides of theprojection 209 of the flexible tab 211 in the locked configuration. Theportion of the connector 208 on the end in between the first and secondraised nubs 208A, 208B may be an edge similar to the edge 216 describedabove.

FIG. 2E depicts another embodiment of the clamp 200 having the elongatedband 202 with the locking mechanism 201. FIG. 2F shows a detailed viewof the region 2F as indicated in FIG. 2E. As shown in FIG. 2E, theelongated band 202 may be connected by the connector 208. The first end204 of the band 202 may include the bar 202D (as described with respectto FIG. 2C, for example) adjustably positioned on the outside of theband 202.

As shown in FIG. 2F, the bar 202D may include the flexible tab 211defining the receiving space 215. The complementary locking feature ofthe band 202 may include the extensions 217A defining a cavity 217Bthere between. As shown, the extensions 217A may be extensions of theband 202. In some embodiments, the extensions 217A are solid metallicextensions coupled to or otherwise connected to the second end 206 ofthe band 202, where the outer edge portion 202A extends to meet theopposite outer edge portion 202A. In some embodiments, the extensions217A and the cavity 217B formed there between may be similar to thefirst and second raised nubs 208A, 208B and the cavity 208C formed therebetween as discussed with respect to FIG. 2D. The extensions 217A andthe cavity 217B there between, may interface with and lock to theflexible tab 211. The receiving space 215 of the flexible tab 211 mayreceive the cavity 217B thereby locking or otherwise securing the endsof the band 202.

FIG. 2G depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool 230 thatmay be used with the various clamp embodiments described herein, such asthe clamp 200. The tool 230 may be used to facilitate closing andlocking the clamp 200. As shown, the tool 230 may include a handle 232.The handle 232 may be an elongated portion of the tool 230 configured tobe grasped by the hand of a user. The handle 232 may be formed frommetal or other rigid materials. The tool 230 may include a first prong234 and a second prong 236 connected to the handle 232. The first andsecond prongs 234, 236 may split apart as shown. However there need notbe a space in between the prongs 234, 236 such that they may beconnected in between. The prongs 234, 236 may be formed from the same orsimilar materials as the handle 232.

The tool 230 may include a grabber 238. As shown, there may be twograbbers 238. The grabbers 238 may be connected to the ends of the twoprongs 234, 236. The grabber 238 may facilitate or otherwise assist withpositioning the tool 230 with the clamp 200 in order to close and securethe clamp 200 in the locked configuration. The grabber 238 may include abase 240 connected to two extensions 242. The base 240 may be connectedto the end of the prongs 234, 236. The extensions 242 may extend fromthe base 240 in a direction away from the handle. As shown, theextensions 242 may be flat or substantially planar surfaces defining aspace 244 there between. The extensions 242 may be square or rectangularin shape or other suitable shapes. Therefore, this space 244 maylikewise be square or rectangular or other suitable shapes depending onthe shape of the extensions 242.

The extensions 242, the space 244 and/or the base 240 of one of thegrabbers 238 may interface with corresponding features of the clamp 200.For instance, one of the extensions 242 of one of the grabbers 238 maybe inserted into the channel 221 defined by one of the tunnels 217 ofthe clamp 200, with the other extension 242 of the same grabber 238placed over the top member 218 of that same tunnel 217 (for example, theclamp 200 as described with respect to FIG. 2B). The other grabber 238may be similarly interfaced with the other tunnel 217 of the clamp 200.With the two grabbers 238 inserted into the respective channels 221 ofthe respective tunnels 217, the tool 230 may be pushed, rotated, orotherwise moved toward the first end 204 of the clamp 200. Therespective bases 240 may contact the ends of the sidewalls 219 and/ortop member 218 of the respective tunnel 217 to bias the second end 206toward the first end 204. In this manner, a user may have leverage withthe tool 230 in securing the clamp 200 in the locked configuration. Thegrabbers 238 may be in the same or similar plane as the handle 232. Insome embodiments, the grabbers 238 may be out of plane with the handle232. This may provide further leverage for a user of the tool 230. Insome embodiments, the handle 232 may be out of plane and or angled withrespect to the orientation of the grabbers 238. These are merely someexamples and other suitable configurations may be implemented.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a locking mechanism 301 for securing thefirst end 304 and second end 306 of a band 302. The band 302 is onlypartially shown, for clarity. The band 302 may have the same or similarfeatures as other bands described herein. For instance, the band mayinclude a first outer edge portion 302A and a second outer edge portion302B, which may be connected by a middle portion 302C. The outer edgeportions 302A, 302B may also be directly connected at the ends 304, 306by a lateral edge portion 302D that extends between the outer edgeportions. The outer edge portions 302A, 302B may be solid portions ofthe band 302 and the middle portion 302C may provide increasedflexibility to the band.

The locking mechanism 301 may have the same or similar features as otherlocking mechanisms described herein. The locking mechanism 301 mayemploy a flexible elongated tab 317 extending away from the first end306 of the band 302. As shown, there may be two tabs 317. The tab 317may include a base 317A which is coupled to the band 302. The base 317Amay be coupled to an outer edge portion 302A, 302B of the band 302. Thetab 317 may be coupled with a lip 319 extending away from an end of thetab. The tab 317 may further include a portion 318, which may beupwardly bent as shown, coupling the base 317A to the lip 319. In someembodiments, the base 317A, the portion 318, and the lip 319 may beformed from the same, monolithic piece of material.

One or more channels 320 may be coupled with and extending away from thesecond end 304 of the band 302 for receiving the tab or tabs 317. Asshown, there may be two channels 320. The channel 320 may include one ormore sidewalls 322 connected by a top member 324. As shown there may betwo sidewalls 322. The sidewalls 322 may project away from the secondend 304 and be connected by the top member 324. The sidewalls 322 andthe top member 324 may be a single, monolithic piece of material. Thechannel 320 may define an opening 326, defined by the sidewalls 322and/or the top member 324. The opening 326 may be a space configured toreceive the tab 317. The band 302 may be manufactured with the tab 317already inserted into the channel 320.

The second end 304 may also include a stop 311, positioned near thechannel 320 and coupled with and extending away from the band 302. Thestop 311 may extend, for example be angled, in a direction away from thechannel 320.

The lip 319 of the tab 317 may engage the stop 311 and restrict the tabfrom moving out of the channel 320 when in the locked configuration.There may be a plurality of stops 312 such that a plurality of grooves315 are defined between the stops 312, each configured to receive thelip 319 when in the locked configuration. The portion 318 of the tab 317may be upwardly bent as shown for further restricting the movement ofthe tab 317 from moving out of the channel 320 when in the lockedconfiguration.

The locking mechanism 301 may include more than one stop 311, tab 317,and channel 320. For example, the locking mechanism may include one stop311, tab 317, and channel 320 coupled to the first edge portion 302A ofthe band 302 and another stop, tab, and channel coupled to the secondedge portion 302B of the band, as shown. The stops 311, tabs 317, andchannels 320 may be positioned directly across from each other with themiddle portion 302C in between. All the stops 311, tabs 317, andchannels 320 may have the same or similar features as discussed above.For instance, all the tabs 317 may be coupled with lips 319 for engagingstops 312.

The band 302 may also include an extended portion 308 that extends fromthe second end 306 of the band. The extended portion 308 may extendbeyond the tab 317 and lip 319. The extended portion 308 may be coupledto or made integral with the second end 306. The lip 319 may extendtoward the extended portion 308 without contacting the surface of theextended portion when in an unbiased state. The extended portion 308 maybe a flat planar surface that slides below the second end 304 when inthe locked configuration.

The band 302 may include a first gripping element 340 on the first end306 of the band and a second gripping element 344 on the second end 304of the band. The gripping elements 340, 44 may facilitate closure,tightening and/or locking of the band 302 about a pipe or pipe. Eachgripping element 340, 344 may include an arcuate projection 342 coupledwith and extending away from the lateral edge portion 302D of each end304, 306 of the band 302. The arcuate projections 342 may be configuredfor gripping with a tool to facilitate tightening and locking the band.Further detail of the tools that may be used are discussed below, forexample with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIGS. 4A through 4E depict various views of an embodiment of anotherlocking mechanism 401 for securing the first end 404 and second end 406of a band 402 that may be used with a clamp. The band 402 may have thesame or similar features as other bands described herein, such as theband 102, 202 or 302. The band 402 may include a first edge portion 402Aand a second edge portion 402B, which may be connected by a middleportion 402C. The outer edge portions 402A, 402B may also be directlyconnected at the ends 404, 406 by a lateral edge portion that extendsbetween the outer edge portions 402A, 402B. The edge portions 402A, 402Bmay be solid portions of the band 402. The middle portion 402C mayprovide increased flexibility to the band. The second end 406 of theband 402 may include an extended portion 408 which is able to slideunder the first end 404, for example when the locking mechanism 401 isbeing secured or is in the locked configuration.

The locking mechanism 401 may have the same or similar features as otherlocking mechanisms described herein, such as the locking mechanism 101,201 or 301. The locking mechanism 401 may employ a flexible elongatedtab 417 extending away from the second end 406 of the band 402. The tab417 may include a base 417A which is coupled with the band 402. The base417A may be coupled to an outer edge portion 402A, 402B of the band 402.

The tab 417 may include a raised portion 427 on its outer surface. Theraised portion 427 may include an angled surface 421 that extends upwardand in the direction that is toward the base 417A of the tab 417. Theraised portion 427 may be integral with the rest of the tab 417. The tab417 may further include an end portion 418, which may be flat. The endportion 418 may be in the same plane as the base 417A and extendingbeyond the raised portion 427 away from the second end 406 of the band402. The tab 417 may also include a lip 419 coupled to and extendingaway from the end portion 418 of the tab.

A channel 420 may be coupled with and extending away from the first end404 of the band 402. As shown in FIG. 4A, the locking mechanism 401 mayinclude two channels 420. The channel 420 is also shown in isolation inFIG. 4C. The channel 420 may receive the tab 417. The channel 420 mayinclude sidewalls 422 connected by a top member 424. The sidewalls 422may project away from the band 402 and be connected to the top member424. The channel 420 may also include flanges 423 extending from thebottom of the sidewalls toward the outer edge portions 402A, 402B. Theflanges 423 may be parallel with the top member 424. The sidewalls 422,the top member 424, and the flanges 423 may be a single, monolithicpiece of material. The flanges 423 may lay flat against the surface ofthe band 402 and be used to couple the channel 420 to the band 402. Forexample, coupling elements 425 may be used to secure the channel 420 toone of the outer edge portions 402A, 402B. Coupling elements 425 may bepins or screws. However, any suitable means of coupling may be used.

The channel 420 may define an opening 426. The opening may be defined bythe sidewalls 422 and/or the top member 424. The opening 426 may be aspace configured to receive the tab 417. The opening 426 may extendthrough the channel 420 from one end of the other. The opening 426 mayreceive the tab 417 therein and allow for movement of the tab 417 withinthe channel 420. Such movement may allow for positioning of certainfeatures of the tab 417 relative to certain features of the channel 420for engagement of the features and locking or otherwise securing thelocking mechanism 401, as described herein.

The top member 424 may include edges 429 defining one or more spaces428. The edges 429 may be rectangular as shown and thus definerectangular spaces 428. Other suitable shapes may be implemented. Thespaces 428 may extend through the top member 424. The spaces 428 may beconfigured to receive the raised portion 427 of the tab 417, or portionsthereof, that is inside the channel 420.

FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of the tab 417. Here, the raisedportion 450 may include an angled surface 452 formed from a thin wall458, which may be the same thickness as the rest of the tab 417. Theraised portion 450 may form an edge portion 456 on the side of theraised portion 450 that is closer to the base 417A. The raised portion450 may be such that the thin wall 458 extends to form the entiresurface of the tab 417. The thin wall 458 may defined a spacethereunder, although this space may also be filled in.

When in the locked configuration, the tab 417 may extend through thechannel 420 and the raised portions 427 or 450 may be inserted into oneof the spaces 428 such that the channel 420 restricts the tab 417 frommoving out of the channel 420. The spaces 428 may be parallel to eachother and extend in a direction transversely to the band 402. The raisedportion 427 or 450 of the tab 417 may be elongated and shaped tocomplement the shape of the spaces 429. Further, the tab 417 may be ableto flex upward and/or downward for engaging and disengaging the raisedportion 427 or 450 with the spaces 428. The tab 417 may be biased upwardso that the raised portion 427 or 450 may engage with the space 428 whenno pressure is applied. The thin wall 458 of the tab 417 (shown in FIG.4B) may allow for increased flexibility of the raised portion 450 sothat it can be deflected downward to disengage from the slot 429. Theslots 429 may be large enough to accommodate a tool, such as a flat headscrewdriver, which could be used to apply downward pressure to theraised portion 450 and disengage the tab 417 from the channel 420.

FIG. 4D shows another embodiment of the channel 420A. The channel 420Amay include an angled end portion 430 on the end of the channel 420Afurthest from the first end 404 of the band 402 that extends upward andaway from the second end of the band 402. The angled end portion 430 mayact as a guide for a tool, such as a flat head screwdriver, orientingthe tool into the proper position for disengaging the raised portion 427or 450 from the space 428 into which the raised portion 427 or 450 islocked or secured.

Also, the portions of the top member 424 in between the spaces 428 maybe flexible to facilitate disengaging the raised portion 427 or 450. Forinstance, the top member 424 may be flexed upward to disengage theraised portion 427 or 450. The tightness or snugness of the lockingdevice 401 may be b providing different sizes of the spaces 428, forexample with smaller spaces creating a tighter fit. The band 402 may bemanufactured with the tab 417 already engaged in one of the spaces 428,for example the space 428 that is located closest to the first end 404of the band.

The first end 404 may further include a stop 419A. As shown, the firstend 404 may include two stops 419A, shown in dashed lines because theyare located underneath the tabs 417 in the orientation shown in FIG. 4A.The stop 419A may be similar to other stops herein, for example the stop311. The stop 419A may engage the inside of the lip 419 of the tab 417to further restrict the tab 417 from moving out of the channel 420. Thestop 419A may be positioned near the channel 420 and may extend awayfrom the channel 420, for example in the ramped configuration as shownwith a flat side facing the lip 419 in the orientation shown in FIG. 4A.

The locking mechanism 401 may include more than one stop 419A, tab 417,and channel 420. For example, the locking mechanism may include one stop419A, tab 417, and channel 420 coupled to the first edge portion 402A ofthe band 402 and another stop 419A, tab 417, and channel 420 coupled tothe second edge portion 402B of the band 402, as shown in FIG. 4A. Thestops 419A, tabs 417, and channels 420 may be positioned directly acrossfrom each other with the middle portion 402C in between. All the stops419A, tabs 347, and channels 420 may have the same or similar featuresas discussed above.

The band 402 may include a gripping element 440. The gripping elementinstalled with the locking mechanism 410 is shown in FIG. 4A, and thegripping element in isolation is shown in FIG. 4E. There may be twogripping elements 440, with one located on each end 404, 406 of the band402. The gripping elements 440 may facilitate the closure, tighteningand/or locking of the band 402.

Each gripping element 440 may include an arcuate projection 442 coupledwith and extending away from the band 402. The projection 442 may extendaway from the lateral edge portion of each end 404, 406 of the band 402.The arcuate projections 442 may be C-shaped with the opening of the “C”facing toward the edge of the end 404, 406 to which it is coupled.Alternatively, the arcuate projections 442 may be rounded pins. Theouter contour of the projections 442 may be circular as shown, or otherrounded shapes. The arcuate projections 442 may be configured forgripping with a tool to facilitate tightening and locking the band.Further detail of the tools that may be used are discussed below.

The arcuate projection 442 may be coupled directly to the band or it maybe coupled to a base 441 which extends outward from the bottom of thearcuate projection 442. The base 441 may be a planar surface which laysflat on the surface of the band 402 and is coupled to the lateral edgeportion of each end 404, 406 of the band 402. As seen in FIG. 4E, thebase 441 may not extend to the inner side of a C-shape arcuateprojection 442. Coupling elements 443 may be used to secure the grippingelement 440 to the band 402. Coupling elements 425 may be pins orscrews, or other suitable coupling features. The arcuate projection 442may be integral with the base 441.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict views of an embodiment of a tool 500 for closingthe locking mechanism of a clamp, such as those described with respectto FIGS. 3-4E. For instance, the locking mechanisms 301, 401 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4A may be secured using the tool 500. However, the tool 500may be used with other embodiments of the various locking mechanismdescribed herein.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5A, the tool 500 may include ahandle 510 and a head 520 coupled to the end of the handle 510. Thehandle 510 may include an elongated shaft 514 coupled to a grippingregion 512. The gripping region 512 may be positioned on the end of thehandle 510 that is away from the head 520. The gripping region 512 maybe knurled for facilitating gripping. The head 520 may include an outersidewall 524 coupled to a top member 522. The handle 520 may be coupledto the top member 522 at the end of the shaft 514 that is furthest fromthe gripping region 512. The outer sidewall 524 may be cylindrical inshape and the top member 522 may be circular to form a cylinder that isopen at the end which is away from the attachment with the handle 510.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the head 520 of the tool 500. Asshown in FIG. 5B, the outer sidewall 524 may define a cavity 521 forreceiving two or more arcuate projections 524, also shown incross-section view. The arcuate projections 542 may be the same orsimilar to the arcuate projections 342, depicted in FIG. 3, or thearcuate projection 442, depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4E. The cavity 521 maybe partially formed by rounded, inner surfaces of the sidewall 524 thatare configured to contact the arcuate projections 542. The outersidewall 524 may further be coupled with an inner spiral wall 526 whichextends from the outer sidewall 524 into the cavity 521. The innerspiral wall 526 may spiral toward the center of the cavity such that thearcuate projections 542 may be initially received in the cavity 521 inbetween the outer sidewall 524 and the inner spiral wall 526. Using thehandle 510, the head 520 may be rotated about the arcuate projections542 so that the tool 500 biases the arcuate projections substantiallylinearly towards each other as the projections 542 encounter and thenslide along the inner spiral wall 526. For instance, when the head 520is rotated in the direction 523 as indicated in FIG. 5B, the arcuateprojections 542 may be biased inward at the transition 525 between theouter wall 524 and the inner spiral wall 526. By biasing the arcuateprojections 542 closer toward each other, the tool 500 may be used totighten clamps which have arcuate projections on each end of a band.

FIGS. 6A through 6C depict various views of another embodiment of alocking mechanism 601 on another embodiment of a band 602. The lockingmechanism 601 may secure the first end 606 of the band 602 with thesecond end 604 of the band 602. The band 602 may include a firstsub-band 602A and a second sub-band 602B. The first sub-band 602A andthe second sub-band 602B may extend alongside each other as shown, whichmay be a parallel arrangement. The band 602 may have the same or similarfeatures as other bands described herein. For instance, each band 602may be configured to circumferentially surround the ends of adjacentpipes.

Further, having the first sub-band 602A and the second sub-band 602B mayfacilitate connecting pipes of different diameters. The first sub-band602A and the second sub-band 602B may be solid material, such as metal,or other suitable materials. The sub-bands 602A and 602B may beconnected to each other by a plurality of transverse ties 602C extendingbetween the sub-bands 602A and 602B. The sub-bands 602A and 602B may beconnected the transverse ties 602C with fasteners, rivets, or othersuitable means. In some embodiments, the sub-bands 602A, 602B and thetransverse ties 602C are formed from the same, monolithic piece ofmaterial. In some embodiments, the sub-bands 602A, 602B and thetransverse ties 602C are rotatably connected with each other. Forexample, the transverse ties 602C may rotate slightly either in- orout-of-plane relative to the sub-bands 602A, 602B. The transverse ties602C may also extend perpendicularly between the sub-bands 602A, 602B.The transverse ties 602C may be of smaller width than the sub-bands602A, 602B. The space between the transverse ties 602C and the sub-bands602A, 602B may allow the sub-bands 602A, 602B to secure to pipes ofdifferent diameters. For example, the sub-band 602A may secure around afirst pipe having a first diameter, and the sub-band 602B may securearound an adjacent second pipe having a second diameter that is largerthan the first diameter. In this manner, the two different-diameterpipes may be secured and clamped together using the band 602 having thesub-bands 602A and 602B.

The locking mechanism 601 may have the same or similar features as otherlocking mechanisms described herein. The locking mechanism 601 may havea first flexible elongated tab 617 coupled with and extending away fromthe first end 606 of the first band 602A, and a second flexibleelongated tab 617 coupled with and extending away from the second end604 of the second band 602B. Another embodiment of the tab 617 is shownin isolation in FIG. 6C. The tab 617 may include a base 618 which may becoupled to the band 602. The tab 617 may also include a raised portion650 on its outer surface. The raised portion 650 may include an angledsurface 652 that extends upward and toward the base 618 of the tab 617to meet a sidewall 654 positioned closer to the base 618. The sidewall654 may be substantially perpendicular to the base 618. The angledsurface 652 and the sidewall 654 together define an edge portion 656.The raised portion 650 may be integral with the rest of the tab 617. Thetab 617 may also include a lip 619 coupled to and extending away fromthe end portion 618 of the tab.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one or more channels 620 may be coupledwith and extending away from the band 602. In some embodiments, thechannels 620 may be coupled with and extending away from the second end604 of the first band 602A and the first end 606 of the second band 602Bfor receiving the tabs 617. FIG. 6B shows the channel 620 receiving thetab 617. The channel 620 may include sidewalls 622 connected by a topmember 624. The sidewalls 622 may project away from the band 602 and beconnected by the top member 624. The sidewalls 622 and the top member624 may be a single, monolithic piece of material. The top member 624may include one or more edges 629 defining spaces 628 configured toreceive the raised portion 650 of the tab 617. Specifically, the spaces628 formed by the edges 629 may receive the edge portion 656 of theraised portion 650 of the tab 617. Smaller spaces 628 that are locatedcloser together may provide a more refined adjustment capability toaccommodate varying sizes of pipes and to achieve varying levels oftightness about pips of different diameters.

When in the locked configuration, the tab 617 may extend through thechannel 620 and the raised portion 650 may be inserted into one of thespaces 628 formed by the edges 629 such that it restricts the tab frommoving out of the channel. The spaces 628 may be parallel to each otherand extend in a direction transversely to the band 602. The raisedportion 650 of the tab 617 may be elongated and shaped to complement theshape of the spaces 628. The tab 617 may be able to flex upward anddownward for engaging and disengaging the spaces 628. The tab 617 may bebiased upward so that the raised portion 650 may engage a space 628 whenno pressure is applied. The spaces 628 may be large enough toaccommodate a tool, such as a flat head screwdriver, which could be usedto apply downward pressure to the raised portion 650 and disengage thetab 617 from the space 628 into which it is secured. Also the portionsof the top member 624 between the spaces 628 may be made flexible tofacilitate disengaging the raised portion 650. For instance, the topmember 624 may be flexed upward to disengage the raised portion 650. Thetightness of the locking device 601 could possibly be adjusted bychanging the size of the spaces 628 with smaller slots creating atighter fit, or a more refined tightening capability as mentioned.

The second end 604 of the first sub-band 602A and the first end 606 ofthe second sub-band 602B may each further include a stop (not shown)that is similar to stop 311 described above, for engaging the lip 619 ofthe tab 617 and further restricting the tab from moving out of thechannel 620. The stop may be positioned near the channel 620 and mayextend away from the channel 620.

The first and second ends 604, 606 may be brought together with agripping element 640 for facilitating the tightening and locking of thebands 602 in configuration shown in FIG. 6A. As shown, the grippingelements 640 may be located on the second end 604 of the first sub-band602A and the first end 606 of the second sub-band 602B. Alternatively,the gripping elements 640 may be located on the first end 604 of thefirst sub-band 602A and the second end 606 of the second sub-band 602B.Each gripping element 640 may include an arcuate projection 642extending away from the band 602. The arcuate projections 642 may beintegral with the bands 602. The arcuate projections 642 may be roundedpins. The arcuate projections 642 may be configured for gripping with atool to facilitate tightening and locking the band. Further detail ofthe tools that may be used are discussed herein, for example withrespect to FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIGS. 7A through 7C depict an embodiment of a tool 700 that may be usedto tighten and lock a clamp. The locking mechanism 601 shown in FIG. 6Aprovides an example of a clamp that the tool 700 may be used with.However, the tool 700 may be used with any suitable clamp. FIG. 7A is aperspective view of the tool 700. FIGS. 7B and 7C are perspective viewsof a head 720 that forms a part of the tool 700.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the tool 700 may include a handle 710 and the head720 coupled to the end of the handle 710. The handle 710 may be integralwith the head 720 or may be detachably connected thereto. The handle 710may include an elongated shaft 714 coupled to a gripping region 712. Thegripping region 712 may be positioned on the end of the handle 710 thatis located away from the head 720. The gripping region 712 may beknurled for facilitating gripping. The shaft 714 may include aprojection that extends orthogonally away from the shaft and insertsinto the head 720. The head 720 may include an outer sidewall 724coupled to a top member 722. The handle 720 may be coupled to the topmember 722 at the end of the shaft 714 that is furthest from thegripping region 712.

As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the head 720 of the tool 700 may include arecess 723 for receiving and detachably connecting to the shaft 714. Theouter sidewall 724 may define two cavities 727 for receivingcorresponding features, such as the arcuate projections 724 as shown inisolation in FIG. 7B. The arcuate projections 740 may be the same orsimilar to other arcuate projections described herein, such as thearcuate projections 642 depicted in FIG. 6A. Moving the head 720 in thedirection of the arrow 728 shown in FIG. 7B may allow the cavities 727to receive the arcuate projections 740 therein. The cavities 727 mayhave rounded inner portions configured to contact the outer roundedcontours of the arcuate projections 742. The cavities 727 may each besemi-circular in shape with the flat sides of the semi-circles orienteddirectly towards each other. Using the handle 710, the head 720 may berotated about the arcuate projections 740 so that contact of the arcuateprojections with the curved surfaces of the cavities 727 biases themtowards each other. By biasing the arcuate projections 740 closer towardeach other, the tool 700 may be used to tighten clamps which havearcuate projections on each end of a band. In some embodiments, the tool700 may bias projections of a clamp such that the ends of the clamp arebiased toward each other in a linear or substantially linear direction.The cavities 727 may have inner contours against which the projectionsbear against such that rotation of the tool 700 will bias theprojections linearly or substantially linearly, such that the ends ofthe clamp are biased towards each other. Thus, the tool 700 may exertforces on the projections 740 with parallel components of the forcesbiasing the projections 740 in a direction such that the two opposingends of the clamp are biased together. In some embodiments, the tool 700may bias the projections 740 towards each other without substantiallyinducing twisting or torsion in the band of the clamp.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of a tool head 820 coupled with alocking mechanism 801. As shown, the tool head 820 may be used totighten and secure a locking mechanism 801 and a band 802 of a clamp.Only the tool head 820 of a tool is shown, for clarity. The tool may bethe same or similar to other tools described herein, such as the tool700. The clamp may include the band 802, which may the same or similaras other bands described herein, such as the band 602. The clamp mayemploy a locking mechanism 801 similar to other locking mechanismsdescribe herein, such as the locking mechanism 601 shown in anddescribed with respect to FIG. 6.

As further shown in FIG. 8, the band 802 may be coupled with arcuateprojections 840, which are shown in dashed lines because they are belowthe head 820 of the tool. The head 820 may be placed over the arcuateprojections 840 such that the head 820 extends diagonally between thetwo bands 802. The recess 823 in the head 820 may receive the shaft of ahandle for applying torque to the head 820. Applying torque will rotatethe head 820 about the arcuate projections 840, bringing them closertogether and tightening the clamp. As described above, the projectionssuch as projections 840 may be biased substantially linearly in oppositedirections to bring the two ends of the clamp together and secure thelocking mechanism 801.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism 901.The locking mechanism 901 may be the same or similar as other lockingmechanism described herein, for example the locking mechanism 601 inFIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 9, the locking mechanism 901 may be used forsecuring the first end 906 of a band 902 with a second end 904 of theband 902. The band 902 may be the same or similar as other bandsdescribe herein, for example the band 602 shown in and described withrespect to FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 9, the band 902 may include a first sub-band 902A and asecond sub-band 902B. The first sub-band 902A and the second sub-band902B may be connected by transverse ties 902C. The transverse ties 902Cmay be the same or similar as other transverse ties described herein,for example the transverse ties 602C shown in and described with respectto FIG. 6A. The first sub-band 902A and the second sub-band 902B mayeach be coupled with one or more projections 940 at the first and secondends 906, 904, respectively, of the band 902.

FIG. 9A shows a detailed view of one of the projections 940. Eachprojection 940 may include sidewalls 942 projecting away from the band902 and connected by a top member 944. The top member 944 may be angledsuch that it extends upward in a direction away from the end of the band902 with which it is coupled. The sidewalls 942 and the top member 944may be a single, monolithic piece of material. The sidewalls 942 and thetop member 944 may together define a cavity 946 therein. The cavity 946may be facing away from the end of the band with which it is coupled.Each projection 940 may be configured to receive a tool within itsrespective cavity 946 to facilitate tightening and locking the clamp.

FIGS. 10A through 10K depict various views and embodiments of gaskets.The gaskets may be used with the assembly 10. The gaskets may be usedwith any of the clamps described herein that are used to secure twopipes, such as the pipes 110, 120. The gaskets may be located betweenand/or around adjacent pipe ends, and any of the clamps described hereinmay be secured over the gaskets and corresponding pipes.

FIG. 10A is a top view of an embodiment of a gasket 1000. FIG. 10B is across-section view of the gasket 1000 as taken along the line 10B-10Bindicated in FIG. 10A. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the gasket 1000may have a top end 1001 opposite a bottom end 1003. The gasket may havea middle portion 1002 in between the top and bottom ends 1001, 1003. Themiddle portion 1002 may be located equidistant from the top and bottomends 1001, 1003. The top and bottom ends 1001, 1003 may be wider thanthe middle portion 1002. In some embodiments, the top and bottom ends1001, 1003 are approximately the same width. In some embodiments, thetop and bottom ends 1001, 1003 are approximately the same diameter. Asfurther described below, the shape of the gasket 1000, for example asseen in the side cross-section view of FIG. 10B, may approximate an hourglass shape. In some embodiments, the gasket 100 may have twofrustoconical shapes extending away from the middle portion 1002 to thetop and bottom ends 1001 and 1003. The large width or diameters of thetop and bottom ends 1001 and 1003 may facilitate with securing thegasket 1000 to the pipe ends. For example, the larger opening at the topand bottom ends 1001 and 1003 may be larger than the outer width ordiameter of the pipes to which the gasket 1000 is being secured. Afterthe gasket 1000 is secured to two adjacent pipe ends, the gasket 1000,such as the ends 1001 and 1003 and/or other portions of the gasket 1000,may then collapse on the two pipe ends, for example upon pressure from aclamp, to provide a tighter seal about the pipe, as further describedbelow. Thus the gasket 1000 may provide simpler installation about apipe while still providing sealing capability.

The gasket 1000 may include a rounded sidewall 1010. The sidewall may becomposed of a first portion 1010A, second portion 1010B, third portion1010C, and/or a fourth portion 1010D. Each portion 1010A, 1010B, 1010C,and 1010D may have, respectively, a corresponding outer surface 1012A,1012B, 1012C, and 1012D. Each portion 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, and 1010D mayhave, respectively, a corresponding inner surface 1014A, 1014B, 1014C,and 1014D.

The gasket 1000 may include a channel 1015. The rounded sidewall 1010may define the channel 1015. For instance, the portions portion 1010A,1010B, 1010C, and 1010D may defined the channel 1015. The channel 1015may extend along the interior of the gasket 1000 from the top end 1001to the bottom end 1003. The channel 1015 may extend in the directionindicated by the arrow 1050, as shown in FIG. 10B.

Each portion 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D may be separated from twoadjacent portions by a gap 1017, as labelled in between portions 1010Aand 1010B. Thus, the gaps 1017 may each be located between portions1010A and 1010B (as labelled), between portions 1010B and 1010C asshown, between portions 1010C and 1010D as shown, and/or betweenportions 1010A and 1010D as shown. The sidewall 1010 may further includeone or more membrane sections 1016 located at the gaps 1017 andextending longitudinally along the direction of the channel 1015. Asshown in FIG. 10A, the membrane section 1016 may span the gaps 1017connecting the outer edges of two adjacent sidewall portions 1010A,1010B, 1010C, 1010D. For example, as shown the membrane section 1016 mayconnect a first outer edge 1011A of the sidewall portion 1010A to asecond outer edge 1011B of the sidewall portion 1010B. In someembodiments, the membrane section 1016 can connect inner edges, or innerand outer edges. Similar membrane sections 1016 may be located, asshown, in between portions 1010B and 1010C, in between portions 1010Cand 1010D, and/or in between portions 1010D and 1010A. The membranesection 1016 may be a thin material that can collapse. The membranesection 1016 may be of a lesser thickness than the sidewall portions1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D.

The portions 1010A-D may also have end surfaces, such as the endsurfaces 1013A and 1013B of the portions 1010A and 1010B, respectively.The opposite ends of the portions 1010A and 1010B may also have endsurfaces. Similarly, the other portions 1010C and 1010D may also eachhave two end surfaces. As shown, the end surfaces 1013A and 1013B of thesidewall portions may partially define the gaps 1017 between adjacentsidewall portions. Adjacent end surfaces may move closer together and/orcontact each other when the gasket is compressed, for example when aclamp is tightened over the gasket 1000, as further described herein.For instance, adjacent end surfaces of the portions 1010A and 1010B maymove closer together, such that first and second edges 1011A and 1011Bare also brought closer together, and the membrane 1016 spanning inbetween edges 1011A and 1010B folds or otherwise collapses. Variousregions of adjacent end surfaces may move varying distances when thegasket is compressed, for example if the gap 1017 and/or membrane 1016are tapered or angled, as shown in and described with respect to FIG.10B.

As best seen in FIG. 10B, the membrane sections 1016 and the endsurfaces 1011C, 1011D may be angled. The membrane sections 1016 may betrapezoidal, as shown, or they may be other angled shapes, such astriangular, etc. The membrane sections 1016 may be wider at the top andbottom ends 1001 and 1003 of the gasket 1000 as compared to near themiddle portion 1002 of the gasket 1000. The end surfaces of sidewallportions, for example end surfaces 1011C, 1011D, may likewise be angled,as also shown in FIG. 10B. For instance, the end surfaces 1013A and1013B may be angled as shown. The other end surfaces may also be angled.The larger separation between the end surfaces 1013A and 1013B at thetop and bottom ends 1001 and 1003 of the gasket 1000 may allow fordifferential compression in the gasket 1000. For instance, the gasket1000 may be wider at the top and bottom ends 1001 and 1003 as comparedto the middle portion 1002 such that upon compression of the gasket 1000the top and bottom ends 1001 and 1003 compress more than the middleportion 1002. For example, upon compression of the gasket 1000, theregions of the end surfaces 1013A and 1013B near the top end 1001 maymove further than the regions of the end surfaces 1013A and 1013B nearthe bottom end 1003. The tapered or otherwise angled configuration ofthe membrane 1016 and end surfaces 1013A, 1013B may facilitate suchdifferential compression of the gasket 1000.

The gasket 1000 may also include a ridge 1018. The ridge 1018 may becoupled with an interior surface of the sidewall 1010. The ridge 1018may be coupled with the inner surfaces 1014A, 1014B, 1014C, and/or 1014Dof the sidewall 1010. The ridge 1018 may extend circumferentially aroundthe interior of the channel 1015. The ridge 1018 may extend continuouslyaround the interior of the channel 1015. There may also bediscontinuities in the ridge 1018 (not shown). The ridge 1018 may belocated in a plane generally perpendicular to the direction indicated bythe arrow 1050. The ridge 1018 may form a ring extending from the innersurfaces 1014A, 1014B, 1014C, 1014D of the sidewall portions 1010A,1010B, 1010C, 1010D toward the interior of the channel 1015. The ridge1018 may therefore traverse each sidewall portion 1010A, 1010B, 1010C,1010D. In some embodiments, the ridge 1018 may be located approximatelyat the middle of the gasket 1000 from the top to the bottom of thegasket 1000, relative to the direction arrow 1050. In some embodiments,the ridge 1018 may be located at or approximately at the middle portion1002 of the gasket 1000. In some embodiments, the ridge 1018 may belocated in between or approximately in between the top and bottom ends1001, 1003 of the gasket 1000. The ridge 1018 may span the gaps 1017between adjacent sidewall portions 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D. In someembodiments, the ridge 1018 may not be coupled with the membranesections 1016, for example where the membrane sections 1016 do notextend to the ridge 1018. In other embodiments, the ridge 1018 may becoupled with the membrane sections 1016. For instance, FIG. 10A showsthe ridge 1018 located between edge 1011A and edge 1011B at the labelledgap 1017. As another example, FIG. 10B shows the membrane section 1016extending to the ridge 1018. These are merely examples and otherconfigurations may be implemented.

Two pipes may be inserted into opposite ends of the gasket 1000 suchthat the edges of the pipes may abut opposite sides of the ridge 1018.The ridge 1018 may therefore provide a surface or surfaces upon whichtwo adjacent pipe ends may contact when installed, for example in theassembly 10 described with respect to FIG. 1. The ridge 1018 may have avariety of other suitable shapes and configurations, including thosewhich may be required by construction regulations or codes. The ridge1018 may be formed from the same or similar materials as other portionsof the gasket 1000. In some embodiments, the ridge 1018 is formed from arubber material. However, the ridge 1018 may any other suitablematerial, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 10C shows an embodiment of a gasket 1000A in which the roundedsidewall contains only one sidewall portion 1010E. The gasket 1000A mayinclude the same or similar features as the gasket 1000 described withrespect to FIGS. 10A-10B, and vice versa. As shown in FIG. 10C, thegasket 1000A may have only one membrane section 1016 connecting firstand second edges 1011E, 1011F of the sidewall portion 1010E. The firstand second edges 1011E, 1011F may have the same or similar features asother edges described herein, for example the edges 1011A and 1011B. Thesidewall portion 1010E may have the end surfaces 1013F and 1013G, whichmay have the same or similar features as other end surfaces describedherein, for example the end surfaces 1013C and 1013D. Thus, in someembodiments, the gasket 1000A may have only one, or fewer than four,sidewall portions, and corresponding numbers of membranes 1016, gaps1017, edges 1011E and 1011F, end surfaces 1013E and 1013F, etc. In someembodiments, there may be more than four sidewall portions, andcorresponding numbers of membranes 1016, gaps 1017, edges 1011E and1011F, end surfaces 1013F and 1013G, etc.

FIGS. 10D and 10E show perspective and top views, respectively, of anembodiment a gasket 1000B. The gasket 1000B may include the same orsimilar features as the gasket 1000 described with respect to FIGS.10A-10B, and vice versa. The gasket 1000B may include the same orsimilar features as the gasket 1000A described with respect to FIGS.10C-10D, and vice versa.

As shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E, the gasket 1000B may include a firstsidewall portion 1040 and a second sidewall portion 1041. The sidewallportions 1040, 1041 may have the same or similar features as the othersidewall portions described herein, for example the sidewall portions1010A-D. The sidewall portion 1040 may include an outer surface 1040Aand an inner surface 1040B. The sidewall portion 1041 may include anouter surface 1041A and an inner surface 1041B. The various inner andouter surfaces 1040A, 1040B, 1041A, 1041B may have the same or similarfeatures as other sidewall surfaces described herein, for example thesidewall surfaces 1014A-D and 1012A-D. The gasket 1000B may furtherinclude the ridge 1018, which may be as described above.

The gasket 1000B may include one or more collapsible joints 1020. Eachjoint 1020 may include one or more of the collapsible membranes 1016. Ateach joint 1020, the membrane 1016 may be coupled at one end with theinner surface 1040B of the sidewall portion 1040 and on the other endwith the outer surface 1041A of the sidewall portion 1041. In someembodiments, the membrane 1016 may be coupled at one end with the outersurface 1040A of the sidewall portion 1040 and on the other end with theinner surface 1041B of the sidewall portion 1041. There may be aconnector portion 1025. The connector portion 1025 may connect two ormore membranes 1016. As shown, the connector portion 1025 may connecttwo adjacent membranes 1016. In some embodiments, there may be more thantwo membranes 1016 and more than one connector portion 1025 at a singlecollapsible joint 1020. The connector portion 1025 may another segmentof the membrane 1016. Thus, the connector portion 1025 may be the sameor similar material as the membrane 1016. The membrane(s) 1016 and/orconnector portion 1025 may at least partially collapse at the joint1020. The membrane(s) 1016 and/or connector portion 1025 may completelycollapse at the joint 1020. By “collapse” this includes withoutlimitation folding, scrunching, wrinkling, compressing, bending, orotherwise decreasing geometric dimension of the membrane 1016 bycollapsing upon itself and/or collapsing upon surrounding features. Thegasket 1000B is shown in a partially collapsed state. For example, thegasket 1000B may be in the process of being compressed onto a pipe end(not shown) by a clamp (not shown).

The joint 1020 may include an outer gap 1022 and/or an inner gap 1024.The outer gap 1022 may be on the exterior of the gasket 1000B. The innergap 1024 may be on the interior. The inner gap 1024 may therefore face achannel on the inside of the gasket 1000B, such as the channel 1015described above. The outer gap 1022 may be formed at least partially bythe outer surface 1016A of the membrane 1016 and the inner gap 1024 maybe formed adjacent to the outer gap 1022 at least partially by the innersurface 1016B of the membrane 1016. The shape of the gaps 1022, 1024and/or joint 1020 may be defined by the membrane 1016 and the endsurfaces of the sidewall portions 1040, 1041. For instance, the joint1020 may be roughly Z-shaped. The gaps 1022, 1024 may provide spacessuch that the joint 1020 may bend or flex at one or more edges 1026 tocollapse the membrane 1016. “Collapse” here may be as described above.The shape of the gaps 1022, 1024 may be tapered or otherwise angled froman end of the gasket 1000B toward the ridge 1018. The membranes 1016 andend surfaces of the sidewall portions 1040, 1041 that define the gaps1022, 1024 may be similarly tapered or angled, for example as describedabove with respect to FIGS. 10A-10B. For example, the gaps 1022, 1024may be triangular or wedge shaped, as shown in FIG. 10D. The taperedgaps 1022, 1024 may allow for more compression of the membrane section1016 near the end of the gasket as compared to a middle portion, asdescribed above. The membrane 1016 may not extend all the way to ridge1018, as best seen in FIG. 10D. In other embodiments, the membrane 1016may extend to the ridge 1018.

FIG. 10F is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a gasket1000C. FIG. 10G is a top view of the gasket 1000 of FIG. 10F assembledwith a clamp. The gasket 1000C may include the same or similar featuresas the gasket 1000 described with respect to FIGS. 10A-10B, and viceversa. The gasket 1000C may include the same or similar features as thegasket 1000A described with respect to FIGS. 10C-10D, and vice versa.The gasket 1000C may include the same or similar features as the gasket1000B described with respect to FIGS. 10D-10E, and vice versa.

As shown in FIGS. 10F and 10G, the gasket 1000C may include a firstsidewall portion 1040-1 and a second sidewall portion 1041-1. Thesidewall portions 1040-1, 1041-1 may have the same or similar featuresas the other sidewall portions described herein, for example thesidewall portions 1040 and 1041. The sidewall portion 1040-1 may includean outer surface 1040A-1 and an inner surface 1040B-1. The sidewallportion 1041-1 may include an outer surface 1041A-1 and an inner surface1041B-1. The various inner and outer surfaces 1040A-1, 1040B-1, 1041A-1,1041B-1 may have the same or similar features as other sidewall surfacesdescribed herein, for example the sidewall surfaces 1040A, 1040B, 1041A,1041B. The gasket 1000C may further include a ridge 1018-1, which mayhave the same or similar features as other ridges described herein, forexample the ridge 1018.

The gasket 1000C may include one or more collapsible joints 1020-1. Asshown, there may be two collapsible joints 1020-1 located opposite eachother. In some embodiments, there may be fewer or more collapsiblejoints 1020-1 and/or located in other positions. Each joint 1020-1 mayinclude one or more collapsible membranes 1016-1. As shown, each jointincludes one membrane 1016-1. The membrane 1016-1 may have the same orsimilar features as other membranes described herein, for example themembrane 1016. The membrane 1016-1 may include a single edge 1026-1along which the membrane 1016-1 may fold other otherwise collapse. Theedge 1026-1 may be pre-formed in the membrane 1016-1 for shape memory ofthe membrane 1016-1 such that the membrane 1016-1 will have a propensityto collapse along the edge 1026-1 and/or in the same direction.

At each joint 1020-1, the membrane 1016-1 may be coupled at one end withthe outer surface 1040A-1 of the sidewall portion 1040-1 and on theother end with the outer surface 1041A-1 of the sidewall portion 1041-1.In some embodiments, the membrane 1016-1 may be coupled at one end withthe inner surface 1040B-1 of the sidewall portion 1040-1 and on theother end with the inner surface 1041B-1 of the sidewall portion 1041-1.The membrane 1016-1 may at least partially collapse at the joint 1020-1.The membrane 1016-1 may completely collapse at the joint 1020-1. By“collapse” this includes without limitation folding, scrunching,wrinkling, compressing, bending, or otherwise decreasing geometricdimension of the membrane 1016-1 by collapsing upon itself and/orcollapsing upon surrounding features.

The joint 1020-1 may include an outer gap 1022-1 and/or an inner gap1024-1. The outer gap 1022-1 may be on the exterior of the gasket 1000C.The inner gap 1024-1 may be on the interior. The inner gap 1024-1 maytherefore face a channel on the inside of the gasket 1000C, such as thechannel 1015 described above. The shape of the gaps 1022-1, 1024-1and/or joint 1020-1 may be defined by the membrane 1016-1 and the endsurfaces of the sidewall portions 1040-1, 1041-1. For instance, thejoint 1020-1 may be roughly V-shaped in the configuration shown. Thegaps 1022-1, 1024-1 may provide spaces such that the joint 1020-1 maybend or flex at the edge 1026-1 to collapse the membrane 1016.“Collapse” here may be as described above. The shape of the gaps 1022-1,1024-1 may be generally straight from an end of the gasket 1000C towardthe ridge 1018-1. The membranes 1016-1 and end surfaces of the sidewallportions 1040-1, 1041-1 that define the gaps 1022-1, 1024-1 may besimilarly straight. In some embodiments, the shape of the gaps 1022-1,1024-1 may be tapered or angled from an end of the gasket 1000C towardthe ridge 1018-1, for example as described with respect to the gasket1000 or 1000B. The membrane 1016-1 may extend from one end of the gasket1000C to the opposite end. The ridge 1018-1 may therefore be interruptedor discontinuous, as shown.

FIG. 10G shows the gasket 1000C assembled with a clamp 100-1. The clamp100-1 may have the same or similar features as other clamps describedherein, for example the clamp 100. The clamp 100-1 surrounds the gasket1000C. The clamp 100-1 may include a locking mechanism 101-1. Thelocking mechanism 101-1 may have the same or similar features as otherlocking mechanisms described herein, for example the locking mechanism101. The locking mechanism 101-1 may be tightened to tighten the clamp100-1 about the gasket 1000C. This may in turn collapse the membranes1016-1 at the joints 1020-1. The membrane 1016-1 may thus collapse intothe inner gap 1024-1 and allow for opposing portions 1040-1, 104101 ofthe sidewall to move closer together to create a tighter seal about apipe.

FIGS. 10H-10K are various views of another embodiment of a gasket 1000D.FIG. 10H is a perspective view of the gasket 1000D. FIG. 10I is a topview of the gasket 1000D. FIG. 10J is a side view of the gasket 1000D.FIG. 10K is a cross-section view of the gasket 1000D taken along theline 10K-10K as indicated in FIG. 10J. The gasket 1000D may have thesame or similar features and/or functionalities as the various gasketsdescribed herein, for example the gaskets 1000, 1000A, 1000B and 1000D,and vice versa.

The gasket 1000D may have features that are analogous to features of theother gaskets described herein, such as the gasket 1000. Thus, thegasket 1000D may have a top end 1001D, a bottom end 1003D, a middleportion 1002D, a sidewall 1010D, a first portion 1010A-2, a secondportion 1010B-2, a third portion 1010C-2, a fourth portion 1010D-2,outer surfaces 1012A-2, 1012B-2, 1012C-2, 1012D-2, inner surfaces1014A-2, 1014B-2, 1014C-2, 1014D-2, a channel 1015D, one or more gaps1017D, one or more membrane sections 1016D, a first outer edge 1011A-2,a second outer edge 1011B-2, end surfaces 1013A-2, 1013B-2, 1013C-2,1013D-2, and a ridge 1018D, which may have the same or similar featuresand/or functionalities respectively as the top end 1001, the bottom end1003, the middle portion 1002, the sidewall 1010, the first portion1010A, the second portion 1010B, the third portion 1010C, the fourthportion 1010D, outer surfaces 1012A, 1012B, 1012C, and 1012D, innersurfaces 1014A, 1014B, 1014C, and 1014D, the channel 1015, the gaps1017, the one or more membrane sections 1016, the first outer edge1011A, the second outer edge 1011B, the end surfaces 1013A 1013B, 1013C,1013D, and the ridge 1018 of the gasket 1000. Therefore, any descriptionof these analogous features provided herein with respect to the gasket1000 may apply as well to the gasket 1000D, and vice versa.

The gasket 1000D may additionally include the portions 1010E, 1010F,1010G, and/or 1010H, which may have the same or similar features and/orfunctionalities respectively as the portions 1010A-2, 1010B-2, 1010C-2,and 1010D-2. The portions 1010E, 1010F, 1010G, and 1010H of the gasket1000D may also have corresponding inner and outer outer surfaces. Theportions 1010E, 1010F, 1010G, and 1010H may further define the channel1015D. Further, the gaps 1017D may each be located between portions1010E and 1010F, between portions 1010F and 1010G, between portions1010G and 1010H, and/or between portions 1010H and 1010E.

The sidewall portions 1010E, 1010F, 1010G, and 1010H may be rotatedrelative to the sidewall portions 1010A-2, 1010B-2, 1010C-2, 1010D-2,such that the membrane portions 1016D near the top end 1001D are rotatedrelative to the membrane portions 1016D near the bottom end 1003D. Asshown in FIG. 10I, the portions and membrane sections near the top end1001D may be rotated about the rotation direction 50 relative to theportions and membrane sections near the bottom end 1003D. The portionsand membrane sections near the top and bottom ends 1001D, 1003D may berotated relative to each other in varying amounts, such as ten degrees,twenty degrees, thirty degrees, forty five degrees, or any lower,intermediate or greater amount.

In some embodiments, the portions 1010E, 1010F, 1010G, and 1010H may bealigned with the first, second, third and fourth portions 1010A-2,1010B-2, 1010C-2, 1010D-2, such that the membrane portions 1016D nearthe top end 1001D are aligned with the membrane portions 1016D near thebottom end 1003D, similar to the gasket 1000. In some embodiments, thevarious portions and membrane sections of the gasket 1000D may bealigned, for example as shown with respect to the gasket 1000 in FIG.10B.

The ridge 1018D of the gasket 1000D may form a ring extending from theinner surfaces of the sidewall portions 1010A-2, 1010B-2, 1010C-2,1010D-2, 1010E, 1010F, 1010G, and/or 1010H toward the interior of thechannel 1015D. The ridge 1018D may therefore traverse each sidewallportion 1010A-2, 1010B-2, 1010C-2, 1010D-2, 1010E, 1010F, 1010G, and1010H.

The gasket 1000D may also include an inner seal 1060. The inner seal1060 may extend circumferentially around an inner surface or surfaces ofthe gasket 1000D. As shown, the inner seal 1060 may extendcircumferentially around the inner surfaces of the gasket near the topand bottom ends 1001D, 1003D. The inner seal 1060 may be a protrusionalong an inner surface or surfaces of the sidewall 1010D that provides asealing function to the gasket when assembled about a pipe end. In someembodiments, there may be one, two, three, four, or more inner seals1060.

The inner seal 1060 may include a first inner seal 1061 and/or a secondinner seal 1062. The first inner seal 1061 and second inner seal 1062may be portions of the inner seal 1060. The first inner seal 1061 may belocated along an inner surface of the sidewall 1010D closer to the topor bottom ends 1001D, 1003D. The second inner seal 1062 may be locatedalong an inner surface of the sidewall 1010D closer to the middleportion 1002D. The first inner seal 1061 and second inner seal 1062 mayeach be comprised of portions located on inner surfaces of the sidewallportions. As shown, the first inner seal 1061 may include first innerseal portions 1061A, 1061B, 1061C and 1061D located along inner surfacesrespectively of the portions 1010A-1, 1010B-2, 1010C-2, and 1010D-2.There may be first inner seal portions 1061A, 1061B, 1061C and 1061Dlocated along inner surfaces near the top and bottom ends 1002D, 1003D.As further shown, the second inner seal 1062 may include second innerseal portions 1062A, 1062B, 1062C and 1062D located along inner surfacesrespectively of the portions 1010A-1, 1010B-2, 1010C-2, and 1010D-2.There may be second inner seal portions 1061A, 1061B, 1061C and 1061Dlocated along inner surfaces near the top and bottom ends 1002D, 1003Dbut closer to the middle portion 1002D as compared to the first innerseal portions 1061A, 1061B, 1061C and 1061D. As seen in FIG. 10K, thegaps 1017D can form a flat surface 1021D at an end of the V-shaped gaps1017D. The flat surface 1021D can extend generally perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the V-shaped gap 1017D. The flat surface 1021D canhelp the gasket 1000D to form a more effective seal when collapsed.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism 1101 forsecuring a first end 1106 and a second end 1104 of a band 1102. The band1102 may have the same or similar features as other bands describedherein. The locking mechanism 1101 may employ a latch 1117 having alatch body 1117A coupled with and extending away from the second end1104 of the band 1102. The latch body 1117A may be coupled to the band1102 through a pivot pin 1119 around which the latch 1117 may freelyrotate. The latch 1117 may include two turn pins 1120 coupled toopposite ends of the latch body 1117A and on opposite sides of the pivotpin 1119. Applying torque to either or both of the turn pins 1120 mayrotate the latch 1117 around the pivot pin 1119. The turn pins 1120 maybe arcuate projections as shown. The turn pins 1120 may be configuredfor gripping with a tool, such as the tool shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C,to facilitate tightening and locking the locking mechanism 1101 and thusthe band 1102. Further details of tools that may be used are discussedherein.

As further shown in FIG. 11, the first end 1106 of the band 1102 may becoupled with a locking projection 1134 extending away from the band1102. The locking projection 1134 may have a curved surface 1136 facingaway from the first end 1106 of the band 1102. The locking projection1134 may be in the shape of a semi-circle as depicted. The curvedsurface 1136 may be semi-circular, or other rounded or semi-roundedshapes, such as short but straight segments forming a rounded contour.Further, the latch body 1117A may have an inner curved edge 1118. Thelatch 1117 may further include a recess 1130 within its inner curvededge 1118. The recess 1130 may have a curved edge 1132.

The curved edge 1132 of the latch 1117 may complement the curved surface1136 of the locking projection 1134. In some embodiments, the curvededge 1132 may snuggly abut the curved surface 1136 when the lockingmechanism 1101 is locked. The pivot pin 1119 and locking projection 1134may be positioned on the second end 1104 and first end 1106 of the band1102, respectively, in a configuration that allows the curved edge 1132of the recess 1130 to receive the curved surface 1136 of the lockingprojection 1134 only when the curved edge is rotated into positionaround the curved surface 1136 such that the first and second ends 1106,1104 are brought together. As shown, the latch 1117 is in an unlockedconfiguration. Bringing the first and second ends 1106, 1104 together sothat the locking projection 1136 is received inside the recess 1130 maydefine a locked position. The curved edge 1132 of the recess 1130 andthe inner curved edge 1118 of the latch 1117 may facilitate sliding ofthe latch over the curved surface 1136 of the locking projection 1134 asthe latch 1117 is rotated around the pivot pin 1119 to bring the latchinto a locked or unlocked position. The turn pins 1120 may be used toapply torque to latch 1117 around the pivot pin 1119 and facilitate thelocking and unlocking of the latch 1117. In some embodiments, to lockthe latch 1117, the inner curved edge 1118 may slide over the curvedsurface 1136, and the curved edge 1132 of the recess 1130 may thencontact the curved surface 1136 to secure or otherwise lock the latch1117 in place.

FIGS. 12A through 12H depict embodiments of various components of anembodiment of a clamp. The various components may be easily manufacturedand assembled into a clamp, which may be the same or similar as theclamps described herein. FIG. 12A shows a top view of a band 1200 in aflat configuration. The band 1200 in the flat configuration as shown inFIG. 12A may be used to form or assemble a clamp. In some embodiments,the band 1200 may be formed into the rounded configuration shown in FIG.12B.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the band 1200 may have a band body 1202. The bandbody 1202 may be manufactured from a monolithic piece of material. Theband body 1202 may be manufactured from a flat sheet of material, suchas steel, aluminum or other suitable materials, whether metallic orotherwise. The material may therefore be metal or another rigid materialthat may be bent into the shape of the rounded band 1200 depicted inFIG. 12B. As further shown in FIG. 12A, the band body 1202 may have afirst end 1204 and a second end 1206 as well as a first outer edgeregion 1202A and a second outer edge region 1202B. The band body 1202may be configured such that each outer edge region 1202A, 1202Bcomprises portions of a locking mechanism. The band body 1202 may beconfigured so that portions of the locking mechanism are positioned onopposite ends 1204, 1206 of the band, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Theband body 1202 may be thin. In some embodiments, the band body 1202 maybe about 0.040 inches thick. The band body 1202 may have a uniform ornon-uniform thickness.

The band body 1202 may include one or more flanges 1221 for forming oneor more channels 1220 (see, for example, FIG. 12B). The one or morechannels 1220 may be formed as integral parts of the band body 1202 fromflanges 1221 that extend from the outer edge portions 1202A, 1202B ofthe band body 1202. Each flange 1221 may be located near one of the ends1204, 1206 of the band body 1202 and on opposite outer edge portions1202A, 1202B. The flanges 1221 may be generally rectangular in shape.The flanges 1221 may include a flange body 1222 having an outer edge1223. The outer edge 1223 may be straight and parallel to the edges ofthe outer edge portions 1202A, 1202B that run along the remaining lengthof the band body 1202 where the flanges 1222 are not present. The bandbody 1202 may further include slits 1225 formed in outer edge portions1202A, 1202B, of the band near the flanges 1221. The slits 1225 may beelongate in shape and extend parallel to the outer edges 1223 of theflanges 1222. The slits 1225 may be positioned along the circumferentiallength of the band body 1202 to align with the outer edges 1223. Theslits 1225 may have a length equal to or greater than that of the outeredges 1223 and a width equal to or greater than the thickness of themanufactured band body 1202. The flanges 1221 may be bent or otherwisedeformed such that each slit 1225 receives the outer edge 1223 of anadjacent flange 1221 to form the corresponding channel 1220, as furtherdiscussed below and as shown in FIG. 12B.

The flange body 1222 may also include slots 1229. The slots 1229 may beelongate, parallel to each other, and extend in a direction transverselyto the band body 1202. The slots 1229 may be positioned closer to theend of the flange body 1222 that is coupled with the remainder of theband body 1202 than to the outer edge 1223. The flanges 1221 may includea nub 1227 extending from a side edge of the flange body 1222 andsubstantially aligned with the slots 1229. The nub 1227 may be about thesame length as the slots 1229. The nub 1227 may be substantiallyrectangular but may have rounded corners. The nub 1227 may be located onthe side of the flange 1221 closest to the end 1204, 1206 of the bandbody 1202 to which the flange is coupled, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B,and 12H. Alternatively, the nub 1227 may be located on the opposite sideof the flange 1222 furthest from the end 1204, 1206 of the band body1202 to which the flange 1221 is coupled.

The flange 1221 may be bent to form the final configuration of thechannel 1220, shown in FIG. 12B. The outer edge 1223 may be receivedwithin the slit 1225. The portion of the flange 1221 that extendsthrough the slit 1225 may be bent back toward the outer edge portion1202A, 1202B to which the flange 1221 is coupled in order to secure theflange within the slit. The flange 1221 may be further bent to formthree edges, all parallel to outer edge 1223, such that the channel 1220forms an opening 1226 that is generally rectangular in shape. Forinstance, the flange 1221 may be bent along an axis formed by theintersection of the flange 1221 and the band body 1202, as well as onboth sides of the series of slots 1229, such that the slots 1229 arepositioned on a top portion of the rectangular channel 1220, in a planeparallel with the remainder of the band. The nub 1227 may be bent upwardso that it forms an angled end portion to the channel 1220 that extendsupward and toward the end 1204, 1206 of the band body 1202 to which thechannel is coupled. Alternatively, the nub 1227 may be formed on theopposite end of the channel 1220, extending upward and away from the end1204, 1206 of the band body 1202 to which the channel is coupled. Thenub 1227 may act as a guide for a tool such as a flat head screwdriver,orienting the tool into the proper position for disengaging the lockingmechanism of the band body 1202.

The band body 1202 may include holes 1210 located at opposite ends 1204,1206 of the band body 1202. The holes 1210 may be positioned near outeredge portions 1202A, 1202B of the band body 1202 so as to align with thechannel 1220 to which it is opposed (see FIG. 12B). The hole 1210 may becircular in shape. As shown in FIG. 12B, the band body 1202 may bemanufactured such that a rectangular portion of each corner 1212 of theband possessing a hole 1210 may be raised so that the hole lies in aplane parallel to the remainder of the band but elevated slightly abovethe surface of the band. In some embodiments, the band body 1202 may beformed, partially or wholly, by being stamped. Thus, the raised hole1210 shown in FIG. 12B may be formed by stamping accordingly thatportion of the band body 1202.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the band body 1202 may be bent from a flatconfiguration to a circular or rounded shape, to bring the first andsecond ends 1204, 1206 of the band together. The first and second ends1204, 1206 may slightly overlap when the band body 1202 is in its bentconfiguration. The bent configuration of the band body 1202 may for acircular channel 1203 for receiving the ends of two abutting pipes. Thebent configuration may bring each channel 1220 near an opposing hole1210.

FIG. 12C is a top view of an embodiment of a tab 1217 that may be usedwith the band body 1202. The first and second ends 1204, 1206 of theband body 1202 may be secured together with one or more of the tabs1217, which may be flexible. The tab 1217 may be manufactured as aseparate component. The tab 1217 may be manufactured from a monolithicpiece of material. The tab 1217 may be manufactured from a flat piece ofmaterial. The material may be metal or another rigid material that maybe bent into the shape of the formed component depicted in FIG. 12D. Thetab 1217 may include a base 1216 which may be detachably coupled to theband body 1202. The tab 1217 may further include an extension 1218 whichis received by the opening 1226 of the channel 1220 for securing thefirst and second ends 1204, 1206 of the band 1200 together. The base1217A may be wider than the extension 1218 as shown in FIG. 12C.

The extension 1218 may include a flange 1252 formed within a recess 1254for forming a raised portion 1250. The recess 1254 may be centrallylocated within the extension 1218 such that it does not extend to any ofthe tab's outer edges. The recess 1254 may include three generallyrectangular spaces 1254A, 1254B, 1254C that define the flange 1252,which may be rectangular in shape. The first space 1254A may be formedat the distal end of the flange 1252 with the second space 1254B andthird space 1254C extending from one side of the first space along thelateral edges of the flange to its proximal end. The corners of theflange 1252 and recess 1254 may be rounded. The flange 1252 may be bentupward (as shown in FIG. 12D) at its proximal end to form a raisedportion 1250 for engaging one of the slots 1229 of channel 1220 when thetab 1217 is inserted into the opening 1226.

The raised portion 1250 of the tab 1217 may be elongate and shaped tocomplement the shape of the slots 1229. The tab 1217 may be able to flexupward and downward for engaging and disengaging the slots 1229. The tab1217 may be configured such that it is biased upward within the channel1220 when assembled with the band body 1202 so that the raised portion1250 may engage a slot 1229 when no pressure is applied. The tab 1217may be flexible so that it can be deflected downward to disengage fromthe slot 1229. The tab 1217 may be made sufficiently flexible bymanufacturing it from a thin piece of material. The slots 1229 may belarge enough to accommodate a tool, such as a flat head screwdriver,which could be used to apply downward pressure to the raised portion1250 and disengage the tab 1217 from the channel 1220. The distal end ofthe extension 1218 of the tab 1217 may be bent downward to form a lip1219 extending away from the tab.

The base 1216 may include a proximal section 1216A, a middle section1216B, and a distal section 1216C. The sections 1216A, 1216B, 1216C maybe integral with each other and of the same width. The distal section1216C may be raised above the proximal section 1216A by bending the tab1217 along the edges of the middle section 1216B such that the middlesection 1216B forms an angled surface extending from the proximalsection 1216A upward to the distal section 1216C. The tab 1217 may becoupled with the band body 1202 using a hole 1215 formed in the distalsection 1216C of the tab. The hole 1215 may be circular and may belocated in the center of the distal section 1216C. The entire tab 1217may be slightly bent into a curved shape, as shown in FIG. 12D, whichgenerally complements the circumference of the rounded band body 1202.

FIG. 12E is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pin 1260 that maybe used with the band body 1202. The tab 1217 may be coupled with theband body 1202 via the pin 1260. The pin 1260 may be metal or anotherrigid material. The pin 1260 may include a base 1262 coupled with aprotrusion 1264. The base 1262 may be rectangular in shape and theprotrusion 1264 may be generally rounded in shape. The base 1262 andprotrusion 1264 may be integral and they may be manufactured from asingle piece of monolithic material or manufactured then joinedtogether. The protrusion 1264 may include three sections 1264A, 1264B,1264C extending from the base 1262 to a distal end. Each section may begenerally cylindrical in shape. The first section 1264A may be coupledwith the base 1262 on one end and coupled with the second section 1264Bon the other end. The second section 1264B may be coupled to the firstsection 1264A on one end and coupled with the third section 1264C on theother end. The diameter of the first and third sections 1264A, 1264C maybe greater than the diameter of the second section 1264B. The diameterof the first and third sections 1264A, 1264C may be equal. The width andlength of the base 1262 may be greater than the any of the diameters ofthe three sections 1264A, 1264B, 1264C. The proximal and distal ends ofthe sections 1264A, 1264B, 1264C may form the end of cylinders, theedges of which may be beveled.

The sections 1264A, 1264B, 1264C may be sized to allow for the pin 1260to couple the tab 1217 to the band body 1202. In some embodiments, thehole 1215 of the tab 1217 may be aligned with the hole 1210 of the bandbody 1202 to form a continuous channel therethrough. The holes 1215,1210 may receive the protrusion 1264 of the pin 1260. The base 1262 ofthe pin 1260 may butt against an outer surface of the tab 1217, such asan outer surface of the distal section 1216C of the tab 1217. Theprotrusion 1264 may then extend through the holes 1215, 1210 such thatthe third section 1264C extends beyond the holes 1215, 1210 to securethe tab 1217 to the band body 1202. In some embodiments, the outer widthof the third section 1264C may be the same as the widths of the holes1215, 1210. In some embodiments, the outer width of the third section1264C may be slightly smaller than the widths of the holes 1215, 1210.In other embodiments, the outer width of the third section 1264C may belarger than the widths of the holes 1215, 1210 such that the thirdsection 1264C cannot easily be removed once inserted through the holes1215, 1210. In some embodiments, the protrusion 1264 may be flexible toallow the protrusion 1264 to partially deform to fit through the holes1215, 1210. In some embodiments, the protrusion 1264 may be a rubber orother flexible material that allows the protrusion 1264 to fit throughthe holes. Further details of assembly of the pin 1260 with the tab 1217and band body 1202 are described herein, for example with respect toFIG. 12G.

FIG. 12F depicts an embodiment of a tool 1270 for closing a clamp. Thetool 1270 may be used with the components of a clamp depicted in FIGS.12A-12E that are shown assembled in FIG. 12H. However, the tool 1270 maybe used with any suitable clamp. As shown in FIG. 12F, the tool 1270 mayinclude a head 1271 which may be coupled to the end of a handle (notshown) for applying torque. The head 1271 may include an opening 1272for receiving a handle. The opening 1272 may be substantiallyrectangular. The opening 1272 may have a decreasing width from one sideof the tool 1270 to the opposite side. The tool 1270 may include a firstsidewall 1274 and a second sidewall 1276 positioned on opposite ends ofthe head 1271. Each sidewall 1274, 1276 may define a cavity 1277 forreceiving arcuate projections 1264 as shown in FIGS. 12G and 12H. Thearcuate projections may be on the pins 1260.

The cavities 1277 may have rounded portions 1278 configured to contactarcuate projections 1264. The cavities 1277 and the rounded portions1278 formed by the first and second sidewalls 1274, 1276 may faceopposite directions from each other. Applying torque to the tool 1270may rotate the head 1271 about the arcuate projections 1264 so thatcontact of the arcuate projections with the rounded portions 1278 of thecavities 1277 biases the arcuate projections 1264 in opposite directionsto close the clamp. By biasing the arcuate projections 1264 in oppositedirections, the tool 1270 may be used to tighten clamps which havearcuate projections, such as the pins 1260, on each end of a band. Eachsidewall 1274, 1276 may include a lip 1279 on respective bottoms side ofthe tool 1270. As shown in FIG. 12G, the lips 1279 may engage the thirdsection 1264C of pins 1260, which may restrict the tool 1270 fromsliding upward along the arcuate surface of the pins 1260 and off of theassembly.

FIG. 12G is a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly of oneof the pins 1260 with the band body 1202 and one of the tabs 1217 aswell as its engagement with a portion of the tool 1270. Thus, only aportion of the assembly is detailed in this view. It is understood thatthe description of this portion of the assembly applies equally to theother portion of the assembly that is not visible. As shown, theprotrusion 1264 of the pin 1260 may be inserted through both the hole1210 formed in the band body 1202 and the hole 1215 formed in the tab1217. The shapes of the holes 1210 and 1215 may complement the shape ofthe first section 1264A and may form a snug fit that restricts the bandbody 1202 and/or tab 1217 from sliding off the pin 1260. The shape ofthe third section 1264C may also complement the shape of holes 1210 and1215 and may form a snug fit with the band body 1202 and tab 1217 thatdoes not entirely restrict the third section from passing through eitherhole 12010, 1215. The base 1262 of the pin 1260 may prevent the pin 1260from passing entirely through the hole 1210 in the band body 1202. Theshape of the base 1262 may complement the shape of the raised corner1212 of the band body 1202 such that the base is received under theraised corner 1212. Thus, the pin 1260 may secure the band body 1202 andtab 1217 together. When assembled, the first section 1264A of theprotrusion 1264 may sit within aligned holes 1210 and 1215 such that thetab 1217 is positioned above and in contact with the band body 1202. Thesecond section 1264B may sit exposed above tab 1217 and band body 1202and may come in contact with the lateral edge of the lip 1279 of thetool 1270 when engaged. The third section 1264C may also sit above thetab 1217 and the band body 1202. A lower edge and/or surface of thethird section 1264C may contact an upper surface or surfaces of the lip1279 such that the tool 1270 is restricted from sliding upward and offof the assembly when engaged. The rounded surfaces of the second section1264B and third section 1264C may contact the inner rounded portion 1278of the sidewall 1274 of the tool 1270 such that the tool 1270 may rotatearound the pin 1260 and move or otherwise bias the pin 1260 to close theclamp. The clamp may be the clamp 1201 as described with respect to FIG.12H.

FIG. 12H is a top view of an embodiment of a clamp 1201 formed from thevarious components of FIGS. 12A-12E and engaged by the tool 1270. Asshown in FIG. 12H, when the rounded band body 1202 and rounded tabs 1217(i.e. in their “rounded” configurations described above) are assembledwith respective pins 1260, the extensions 1218 of respective tabs 1217may be inserted into the respective openings 1226 of the opposingchannels 1220 on opposite ends of the band 1200. This may secure thefirst and second ends 1204, 1206 of the band 1200 together. The clamp1201 may be assembled such that the tabs 1217 are inserted into theirrespective opposing channels 1220 and secured by engagement ofrespective raised portions 1250 through one of the slots 1229, which maybe done prior to placing the clamp 1201 around any pipe. As shown, theflanges 1252 of the raised portions 1250 may extend through respectiveslots 1229.

The tool 1270 may be engaged with the clamp 1201 such that roundedportions 1278 of respective first and second sidewalls 1274, 1276 areengaged with corresponding rounded surfaces of respective pins 1260.Application of torque to the tool 1270, for example by a handle insertedinto the opening 1272, may be used to bring the first and second ends1204, 1206 of the band body 1202 closer together. This may furtherextend the extensions 1218 of tabs 1217 further into the openings 1226of the channels 1220 and cause the flanges 1252 of the raised portions1254 to engage with various other slots 1229 further away from the ends1204, 1206 of the band, resulting in tightening of the clamp 1201.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict an embodiment of a locking mechanism 1301 forsecuring the first end 1304 and second end 1306 of a band 1302. The band1302 may have the same or similar features as other bands describedherein. The components of the locking mechanism 1301 may be formed fromthe same or similar materials. The band 1302 may be manufactured from amonolithic piece of material. The band 1302 may be manufactured from aflat sheet of metal or other suitable material. The material may be anyrigid material that may be bent or otherwise shaped into a finalconfiguration.

The band 1302 may have a first outer edge region 1302A and a secondouter edge region 1302B. The band 1302 may be configured such that eachouter edge region 1302A, 1302B comprises portions of the lockingmechanism 1301. As shown, similar parts of each mechanism portion may belocated on the same end 1304, 1306 of the band 1302 (for example, slotsboth on one end and raised tabs both on the opposite end). In someembodiments, the mechanism portions may be located on opposite ends1304, 1306 (for example, first slots and a first raised tab on one end,with second slots and a second raised tab on the opposite end). FIG. 13Ashows the first and second ends 1304, 1306 joined together.

The first end 1304 of the band 1302 may have engagement areas 1320formed within each outer edge region 1302A, 1302B of the band 1302. Theengagement areas 1320 may include one or more slots 1329. The slots 1329may be openings through the band 1302. The slots 1329 may be elongate,parallel to each other, and extend in a direction transversely to theband 1302. The slots 1329 may be aligned across from each other onopposite outer edge regions 1302A, 1302B of the band. The engagementareas 1320 may include a series of the slots 1329 configured to receivecorresponding securement features, such as raised tabs 1352 describedbelow.

One or both ends of the band 1306 may include one or more securementfeatures 1350. As shown in FIG. 13B, the second end 1306 of the band1306 may include two securement features 1350. The securement features1350 may be aligned across from each other on opposite outer edgeregions 1302A, 1302B of the band. The securement features 1350 mayengage with corresponding engagement areas 1320 on the opposite end ofthe band 1302. The securement features 1350 may include raised tabs1352. As shown, the raised tabs 1352 may extend upward and away from thesecond end 1306 of the band 1302. The raised tabs 1352 may be formed bymaking cutouts in the band 1302 to define the raised tabs 1352 andsubsequently bending or otherwise raising the raised tabs 1352 into theramped configurations shown. Each securement feature 1350 may be alignedwith the engagement area 1320 on the same outer edge region 1302A, 1302Bso that when the second end 1304 of the band 1302 is brought beneath thefirst end 1304 of the band, the securement features 1350 may engage oneof the slots 1329, securing the band 1302 into a locked configuration.The dashed line in FIG. 13A represents the second end 1306 of the band1302 which is hidden beneath the first end 1304 of the band.

The band 1302 may include one or more gripping elements 1340. Thegripping elements 1340 may have the same or similar features as othergripping elements described herein, for example the gripping elements640 and 440. As shown, the band 1302 may include two gripping elements1340 positioned on opposite ends 1304, 1306 of the band. The grippingelements 1340 may be positioned along the width of the band 1302generally between the engagement areas 1320. In some embodiments, thegripping elements 1340 may be located in other positions. The grippingelements 1340 may include arcuate projections 1342. The arcuateprojections 1342 may have the same or similar features as other arcuateprojections described herein, for example the arcuate projections 442and 642. The arcuate projections 1342 may be coupled with and extendingaway from opposite outer edge portions 1302A, 1302B of the band 1302.The arcuate projections 1342 may be configured for gripping with a tool,for example the tool 700 or the tool 1270, to facilitate tightening andlocking the band.

The above discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the artto make and use one or more of the described embodiments. The generalprinciples described herein may be applied to embodiments andapplications other than those detailed above without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the described embodimentsare not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown ordescribed above, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent withthe principles and features disclosed or suggested herein.

This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments toother alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, aswell as to certain modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and/orequivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that variousfeatures and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with,or substituted for, one another. For example, any of the first andsecond pipes 110, 120, the clamps 100, 200, the locking mechanisms 201,301, 401, 601, 801, 901, 1101, 1201, 1301, and the gaskets 1000, 1000A,1000B, 1000C, 1000D, may be used with each other in any suitablecombination. As further example, any of the first and second pipes 110,120, the clamps 100, 200, the locking mechanisms 201, 301, 401, 601,801, 901, 1101, 1201, 1301, and the gaskets 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1000C,1000D, may be used with other pipes (or fluid conveying elements),clamps, locking mechanisms, and gaskets not explicitly described herein.

In one aspect, a no hub clamp comprises two elongated main bandsconfigured to surround two adjacent pipe ends, the main bands connectedby transverse ties, the main bands having a first end and a second end,wherein the first and second ends are brought together to surround theadjacent pipe ends, the first end having a tunnel configured to receivetherein a tab from the second end, the tab connected to the second end,the tab having a ridge projecting therefrom, the tunnel having a seriesof grooves configured to receive the ridge to securely connect the twoends of the main bands, the tab having an angled projection on one endthat biases the ridge through the groove when the clamp is in a lockedstate.

In another aspect, a no hub clamp comprises an elongated main bandconfigured to surround two adjacent pipe ends, the main band having afirst end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends arebrought together to surround the adjacent pipe ends, the first endhaving a tunnel configured to receive therein a tab from the second end,the tab connected to the second end, the tab having a ridge projectingtherefrom, the tunnel having a series of grooves configured to receivethe ridge to securely connect the two ends of the main bands, the tabhaving an angled projection on one end that biases the ridge through thegroove when the clamp is in a locked state, the ends of the main bandhaving pins configured to be received by a tool for tightening theclamp.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodiedwithin a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits setforth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately fromothers. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claimsrather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come withinthe meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embracedwithin their scope.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems,devices, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As is also statedabove, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology whendescribing certain features or aspects of the invention should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to berestricted to including any specific characteristics of the features oraspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intendedto fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment areinterchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from adepicted embodiment may be included with other depicted embodiments inany combination. For example, any of the various components describedherein and/or depicted in the figures may be combined, interchanged orexcluded from other embodiments.

The processes described and/or shown herein are illustrative only. Aperson of skill in the art will understand that the steps, decisions,and processes described herein may be performed in an order other thanthat described herein. Thus, the particular descriptions are notintended to limit the associated processes to being performed in thespecific order described.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended anddoes not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understoodas being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly,unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth inthe specification and attached claims are approximations that may varydepending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by thepresent invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofsignificant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

The above description discloses several methods and materials of thepresent invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in themethods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methodsand equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilledin the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that thisinvention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, butthat it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the truescope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gasket configured to seal around two opposingpipe ends, comprising: a flexible, rounded sidewall defining alongitudinal channel therethrough in a first direction, the channelconfigured to receive therein the two opposing pipe ends, and thesidewall comprising a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, thetop and bottom ends each comprising: a first sidewall portion having afirst edge and a second edge that is opposite the first edge with aninner seal extending generally perpendicular to the first direction andat least partially between the first and second edges along an innersurface of the first sidewall portion, the first and second edgesextending generally in the first direction, and the first sidewallportion having a first radial thickness, and a first membrane sectionconnecting the first edge to the second edge and configured to collapseto allow the first and second edges to move closer together to create atighter seal about the two opposing pipe ends, the first membranesection extending generally in the first direction, and the firstmembrane section having a second radial thickness, wherein the secondradial thickness is less than the first radial thickness; and acircumferential ridge coupled with the sidewall and projecting into thechannel in between the top and bottom ends.
 2. The gasket of claim 1,wherein the first membrane section of the top end is rotated angularlyabout the first direction with respect to the first membrane section ofthe bottom end.
 3. The gasket of claim 2, the rounded sidewall furthercomprising: a first half having a first outer end and a first inner end,the first outer end defining a first opening of the channel and having afirst width; a second half having a second outer end and a second innerend, the second outer end defining a second opening of the channelopposite the first end of the channel, the second end having a secondwidth, wherein the first and second inner ends are connected at a middleportion having a third width, and wherein the third width is less thaneach of the first and second widths.
 4. The gasket of claim 3, whereinthe first and second halves are frustoconical.
 5. The gasket of claim 2,wherein the first membrane section of the top end is rotated angularlyforty-five degrees about the first direction with respect to the firstmembrane section of the bottom end.
 6. The gasket of claim 1, the innerseal comprising a first inner seal portion and a second inner sealportion, the first and second inner seal portions extending parallel toeach other and generally perpendicular to the first direction and atleast partially between the first and second edges along the innersurface of the first sidewall portion.
 7. The gasket of claim 1, the topand bottom ends each further comprising a second, a third, and a fourthmembrane section, wherein each of the membrane sections extendsgenerally in the first direction, wherein each of the membrane sectionsconnects opposing respective edges of the respective first sidewallportion, wherein each of the membrane sections has the second radialthickness, and wherein the inner seal extends between each of themembrane sections along inner surfaces of the respective first sidewallportion.
 8. The gasket of claim 7, the first, second, third and fourthmembrane sections configured to at least partially collapse to bringopposing edges closer to each other.
 9. The gasket of claim 1, therounded sidewall further comprising: a first half having a first outerend and a first inner end, the first outer end defining a first openingof the channel and having a first width; and a second half having asecond outer end and a second inner end, the second outer end defining asecond opening of the channel opposite the first end of the channel, thesecond end having a second width, wherein the first and second innerends are connected at a middle portion having a third width, and whereinthe third width is less than each of the first and second widths. 10.The gasket of claim 9, wherein the first and second halves arefrustoconical.
 11. The gasket of claim 1, wherein the first membranesection is configured to collapse generally into a Z-shape.
 12. Thegasket of claim 1, wherein the first membrane section is configured tocollapse generally into a V-shape.
 13. The gasket of claim 1, thecircumferential ridge comprising a plurality of ridge portionsinterrupted and separated by the membrane section.
 14. The gasket ofclaim 1, wherein the first edge, the second edge and the first membranesection located at the top end extend from the top end to a firstlocation in between the top and bottom ends, the first location closerto the top end than the bottom end, and wherein the first edge, thesecond edge and the first membrane section located at the bottom endextend from the bottom end to a second location in between the top andbottom ends, the second location closer to the bottom end than the topend.
 15. The gasket of claim 1, wherein the first edge, the second edgeand the first membrane section located at the top end each extend fromthe top end of the gasket to the circumferential ridge, and wherein thefirst edge, the second edge and the first membrane section located atthe bottom end each extend from the bottom end of the gasket to thecircumferential ridge.
 16. A system for connecting two pipe ends, thesystem comprising: a gasket configured to be placed over the two pipeends, the gasket having a rounded sidewall defining a channeltherethrough in a first direction, the sidewall comprising a top end anda bottom end opposite the top end, the gasket having a circumferentialridge coupled with the sidewall and projecting into the channel inbetween the top and bottom ends, the top and bottom ends eachcomprising: a first sidewall portion having a first edge and a secondedge that is opposite the first edge with an inner seal extendinggenerally perpendicular to the first direction and at least partiallybetween the first and second edges along an inner surface of the firstsidewall portion, the first and second edges extending generally in thefirst direction, and the first sidewall portion having a first radialthickness, and a first membrane section connecting the first edge to thesecond edge and configured to collapse to allow the first and secondedges to move closer together to create a tighter seal about the twoopposing pipe ends, the first membrane section extending generally inthe first direction, and the first membrane section having a secondradial thickness, wherein the second radial thickness is less than thefirst radial thickness; and a clamp having a locking mechanism, thelocking mechanism configured to be locked to secure the clamp over thegasket.
 17. A gasket configured to seal around two opposing pipe ends,comprising: a flexible, rounded sidewall defining a longitudinal channeltherethrough in a first direction, the channel configured to receivetherein the two opposing pipe ends, and the sidewall comprising a topend and a bottom end opposite the top end, the top and bottom ends eachcomprising: a first sidewall portion having a first edge and a secondedge that is opposite the first edge with an inner seal extendinggenerally perpendicular to the first direction and at least partiallybetween the first and second edges along an inner surface of the firstsidewall portion, the first and second edges extending generally in thefirst direction, and the first sidewall portion having a first radialthickness, and a first membrane section connecting the first edge to thesecond edge and configured to collapse to allow the first and secondedges to move closer together to create a tighter seal about the twoopposing pipe ends, the first membrane section extending generally inthe first direction, and the first membrane section having a secondradial thickness, wherein the second radial thickness is less than thefirst radial thickness; the rounded sidewall further comprising: a firsthalf having a first outer end and a first inner end, the first outer enddefining a first opening of the channel and having a first width, and asecond half having a second outer end and a second inner end, the secondouter end defining a second opening of the channel opposite the firstend of the channel, the second end having a second width, wherein thefirst and second inner ends are connected at a middle portion having athird width, and wherein the third width is less than each of the firstand second widths; and the first membrane section at the top end iscoupled with the first half of the sidewall and extends from the firstouter end of the first half toward the first inner end of the firsthalf, wherein the first membrane section at the top end decreases inwidth from the first outer end toward the first inner end, and the firstmembrane section at the bottom end is coupled with the second half ofthe sidewall and extends from the second outer end of the second halftoward the second inner end of the second half, wherein the firstmembrane section at the bottom end decreases in width from the secondouter end toward the second inner end.
 18. The gasket of claim 17, thetop and bottom ends each further comprising a second, a third, and afourth membrane section, wherein each of the membrane sections extendsgenerally in the first direction, wherein each of the membrane sectionsconnects opposing respective edges of the respective first sidewallportion, wherein each of the membrane sections has the second radialthickness, and wherein the inner seal extends between each of themembrane sections along inner surfaces of the respective first sidewallportion.
 19. The gasket of claim 17, wherein the first and second halvesare frustoconical.
 20. The gasket of claim 17, wherein the first edge,the second edge and the first membrane section located at the top endextend from the top end to a first location in between the top andbottom ends, the first location closer to the top end than the bottomend, and wherein the first edge, the second edge and the first membranesection located at the bottom end extend from the bottom end to a secondlocation in between the top and bottom ends, the second location closerto the bottom end than the top end.